Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the special effect of oxytocin and vasopressin mRNA expression by acupuncturing acupoint ST36.Methods78 SD male rats were divided into four groups, acupuncturing ST36 group, acupuncturing para-acupoint ST36 group, bondage group and control group. RT-PCR was used to observe the oxytocin and vasopressin mRNA expression in 2,4,6,8 hours after acupuncture, semi-quantitative result was obtained by using image analysis system.ResultsOxytocin mRNA expression in hypothalamus in 2,4 hours was the statistically significant different in acupuncturing para-acupoint ST36 group contrast with other three groups, while there was not statistically different between all groups on oxytocin mRNA expression in 6,8 hours. Vasopressin mRNA expression in hypothalamus in 2,4,6,8 hours was statistically depressed in acupuncturing acupoint ST36 contrast with other three groups.ConclusionOxytocin mRNA expression in hypothalamus increases for short time after acupuncturing para-acupoint ST36. Vasopressin mRNA expression in hypothalamus decreases for long time after acupuncturing acupoint ST36.

Key words: ST36, oxytocin, vasopressin, hypothalamus, rat