Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)stimulation of"Baihui"(GV 20)+"Anmian"(EX-HN 16)and"Baihui"(GV 20)+"Zusanli"(ST 36)on behavior reactions and plasma ghrelin level in depression rats

so as to explore the correlation between its antidepressant effect and plasma ghrelin level.Methods A total of 45 SD rats were randomly divided into 5groups:normal control

model

Baihui(GV 20)+Anmian(EX-HN 16)

Baihui(GV 20)+Zusanli(ST 36)and medication(clomipramine)groups

with 9rats in each group.The depression model(unpredictable chronic mild stresses

UCMS)was established by giving the animals with higher temperature environment(45 ℃

5min)

forced ice-water swimming(0-4 ℃

5min)

day and night reversal environment(12h)

stroboflash stimulation(12h)

noisy stimulation(12h)

rocking-bed movement(30min)and damp pad dwelling(6-24h)

etc.for 4weeks.EA was applied to GV 20-EX-HN 16

and GV 20-ST 36 for 30min once every other day for 4weeks after modeling.For rats of the medication group

clomipramine(5mg/kg)was given(i.p.)once a day for 4weeks after modeling.The forced swimming test

sucrose preference test and open field test were used to evaluate the rats' depressive-like behavior.Plasma ghrelin content was assayed by ELISA.Results After exposure to UCMS for4 weeks

the immobility time was significantly increased

and the struggling time was significantly decreased in the model group(P<0.05

P<0.01).In comparison with the model group

the immobility time levels were obviously decreased

while the struggling time and sucrose preference were markedly increased in the Baihui(GV 20)+Anmian(EX-HN 16)

Baihui(GV 20)+Zusanli(ST 36)and medication groups(P<0.05

P<0.01).No significant changes were found in the rearing times and total distance of open-field test(locomotor activity)and plasma ghrelin content among the 5groups among all the groups(P>0.05).No significant differences were found among the two EA and medication groups in the decreased immobility time and the increased struggling times and sucrose preference levels(P>0.05).Conclusion EA intervention can improve the depression rats' hopeless behavior of forced swimming test and anhedonia behavior(sucrose preference test)

which may be not correlated to plasma ghrelin level at the late-stages and the antidepressant effect of EA intervention.