Objective To observe the effect of needle-implantation (NI) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) on the expression of myocardial transforming growth factor-beta 3 Protein(TGF-β 3) and mRNA in Chinese miniswine with myocardial ischemia (MI) injury. Methods A total of 32 Chinese Guizhou miniswine were randomly and equally divided into Sham-operation group

model group

NI-PC 6 group and NI-Geshu (BL17

NI-BL17) group. MI injury model was established by occlusion of the descending anterior branch of the left coronary artery. Two acupuncture needles (veterinary use) were separately and subcutaneously implanted into "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Geshu" (BL17) areas for 7 days. TGF-β 3 protein and mRNA expressions were determined by Western blot and real-time PCR techniques

separately. Results In comparison with the sham-operation (sham) group

TGF-β 3 protein and mRNA expressions in model group were upregulated significantly( P<0.05 ). While compared with the model group

myocardial TGF-β 3 mRNA expression was upregulated considerably in NI-PC 6 group ( P<0.01 )

rather than in NI-BL17 group ( P>0.05 )

and myocardial TGF-β 3 expression in both NI-PC 6 and NI-BL17 groups was upregulated obviously ( P<0.01 ). Comparison between NI-PC 6 and NI-BL17 groups showed that the expression levels of myocardial TGF-β 3 protein and mRNA were significantly higher in NI-PC 6 group than in NI-BL17 group ( P<0.05 ). Conclusion Needle-implantation of "Neiguan" (PC 6) can upregulate myocardial TGF-β 3 protein and mRNA expression in MI Chinese miniswine

which may contribute to its effect in improving the ischemic myocardial injury by way of enhancing the angiopoiesis.