Abstract: ObjectiveTo approach effects of acupuncture on ganglioside in rats with acute cerebral ischemia.Methods204 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal group, model group, acupuncture group and medicine group, and middle cerebral artery embolism has been made by thread-ligation method in the latter three groups. Ganglioside content in the rat brain had been measured respectively after cerebral ischemia 1,2,3,5,7,12 and 24 hours.ResultsThe content of lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA) has decreased significantly after the acute cerebral ischemia, but LBSA contents of the acupuncture group and medicine group were higher significantly than that of the model group, and these two groups have been similar in curative effect, and have difference only at embolism 2,3 and 5 hours.Conclusion Acupuncture can regulate ganglioside and play the role of cerebral protection and neuroplasticity.

Key words: acupuncture, acute cerebral ischemia, gangliosides