Objective To compare the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on “Guanyuan”(CV4) or sensitization points in mice with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)

so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of PCOS. Methods In the first part of this study

26 female ICR mice were randomized into control group(8 mice) and model group(18 mice). The PCOS model was established by gavage of bisphenol A(BPA) at a dose of 100 mg/kg

and the control group were gavage of equal volume of corn oil

once daily

5 days a week for 4 conse-cutive weeks. Evans blue(EB) dye(0.1 mL/10 g) was injected into the caudal vein after modeling. The size

number and distribution of EB exudation points at the skin were observed. In the second part of this study

32 mice were randomized into control

model

EA-CV4 and EA-sensitization points groups(8 mice in each group). EA(2 Hz

2 mA) was applied to the sensitization points or CV4 for 20 min

once daily

5 days a week for 4 conse-cutive weeks. The body weight was measured once a week for 8 consecutive weeks. The behavior changes were evaluated by open field test and elevated plus maze test. H.E. staining was used to observe the histopathologic changes of the ovary tissue. Serum level of estradiol(E_2) was measured by ELISA. The expressions of estrogen receptor α(ER-α) in ovarian and uterine tissues were detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results(1) In PCOS mice

the EB exudation points were found to overlap the lower abdomen

lumbosacral

chest

back and lower limbs regions

and the number of EB points was significantly more than that of the control group(P<0.01).(2) After the intervention and compared with the control group

the ovaries showed polycystic changes and an increase of atresia follicles with a larger diameter

the activity time in the central area

the total distance of movement

the times of open-arm entries

the duration in open-arm

the serum E_2 content and the expression of ER-α in ovarian tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.01

P<0.05)

while the mice's body weight and the expression of ER-α in uterine tissue were increased(P<0.05) in the model group. After the intervention and compared with the model group

a small number of normal follicles and corpus luteum were observed under microscope

the activity time in the central area

the total distance of movement

the times of open-arm entries

the duration in open-arm

the serum E_2 content and the expression of ER-α in ovarian tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05

P<0.01)

while the mice's body weight and the expression of ER-α in uterine tissue was decreased(P<0.05) in both EA-CV4 and EA-sensitization points groups. Conclusion EA at sensitization points and CV4 can regulate the expression of estrogen and ER-α in PCOS mice

and improve the anxiety like behavior. EB exudation points on the body surface can not only reflect the functional changes of organs

but also treat diseases through body surface stimulation

suggesting a dual role in diagnosis and treatment.