Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on sexual development and ovarian estrogen receptor β(ER-β) expression in female adolescent obese rats induced by high-fat diet

so as to explore its underlying mechanisms of improving adolescent obesity. Methods Female SD rats(age of 21 days) were randomly divided into control

model and acupuncture groups

with 6 rats in each group. The obese model was established by feeding high-fat diet for 6 weeks. Rats of the acupuncture group received electroacupuncture(2 Hz

0.5-1.2 mA)stimulation at bilateral “Sanyinjiao”(SP6)

“Fenglong”(ST40) and “Zusanli”(ST36) for 30 min

once a day for 14 days. The body mass and abdominal circumference of rats were measured before and after treatment. The contents of serum follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)

luteinizing hormone(LH) and estradiol(E_2) were detected by ELISA. The number of corpus luteum and follicle were observed by HE staining. The expression levels of ER-β mRNA and protein in ovary were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot

respectively. Results Compared with the control group

the body mass and abdominal circumference

the contents of serum FSH and E_2

and the expression levels of ER-β mRNA and protein in ovary were significantly increased(P<0.05)in the model group

while the number of mature follicles and corpus luteum increased significantly. Compared with the model group

the body mass and abdominal circumference

the contents of serum FSH and E_2

and the expression levels of ER-β mRNA and protein in ovary were significantly decreased(P<0.05) in the acupuncture group

while the number of mature follicles and corpus luteum decreased significantly.Conclusion Electroacupuncture can effectively improve the levels of sex hormone and the development of ovary

down-regulate the expression levels of ER-β mRNA and protein in ovary

so as to regulate the process of sexual development of female adolescent obese rats induced by high-fat diet.