Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on glucose metabolism of the cerebral motor function regions in normal subjects and stroke patients.Methods The glucose metabolism of cerebral motor area in normal subjects and stroke patients before and after acupuncture at Baihui(GV20)and left Qubin(GB7)during the movement were observed with positron emission tomography(PET).Results Acupuncture could increase metabolism of glucose in bilateral superior parietal lobule(LPs)and precuneus,especially in the left among the healthy subjects.For the stroke patients The similar changes of metabolic were observed in the first somastic motor cortical region(MI),premotor cortex(PMC),LPs bilaterally,as well as the supplementary motor area(SMA)of healthy side after acupuncture.Conclusion Acupuncture at Baihui(GV20)and Qubin(GB7)can regulate the glucose metabolism in cerebral structures related to motor function in the bilateral cerebral hemispheres,which may systematically induce excitement of motor nerve,expiate or assist the injured nerve network and expedite the reestablishment of the cerebral motor function.

Key words: electroacupuncture, cerebral glucose metabolism, positron emission tomography(PET)