Objective To observe the influence of electroacupuncture(EA)on serum TNF-α
IL-1βand Intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1)levels in rheumatoid arthritis(RA)rats so as to explore its mechanism in relieving RA.MethodsEight Wistar rats were used as the normal control group in this study.The RA model was established by injecting mixture solution of incomplete Freund's adjuvant and type Ⅱchicken collagen into the left paw.The 24 successful RA rats were randomly divided into model
medication(Prednisolone)and EA groups(n=8in each group).EA(2Hz/100 Hz
1-2mA)was applied to"Zusanli"(ST 36)and "Kunlun"(BL 60)for 30 min
once daily for 10 days.For rats of the medication group
Prednisolone acetate(0.1mL/10g)was intragastric infused daily.The rats' left ankle diameter was measured before and after the treatment
and the contents of serum TNF-α
IL-1βand ICAM-1were assayed by ELISA.Results In comparison with the normal control group
the rats' ankle diameter
serum TNF-α
IL-1βand ICAM-1contents were remarkably increased in the model group(P<0.05);while compared with the model group
the increased ankle diameter
and serum TNF-α
IL-1βand ICAM-1contents were obviously reversed in both medication and EA groups(P<0.05)
without significant differences between the medication and EA groups(P>0.05).Conclusion EA intervention is effective in relieving RA rats' inflammatory reactions by down-regulating the levels of serum TNF-α