Abstract: Objective To observe the expression of IL-6 mRNA and study the mechanism of acupuncture in focal cerebral ischemia.Methods In situ hybridization was used to detect the expression of IL-6 mRNA in the sham operation group, control group and acupuncture group 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h after reperfusion in the brain of middle cerebral artery occlusion rats, meanwhile and also observe ultrastructure in cortex of ischemic brain tissue 24 h after reperfusion.Results The sham operation group showed a basic expression of IL-6 mRNA in cortex and striate body. The cells expressing IL-6 mRNA were increased 2 h after ischemic reperfusion in cortex and striate body and peaked 24 h after reperfusion in control group and acupuncture group. The cells expressing IL-6 mRNA in cortex of ischemic area were stronger in acupuncture group than in control group at every research time point besides 2 h after ischemic reperfusion. The cells expressing IL-6 mRNA striate body of ischemic area were stronger in acupuncture group than in control group at every research time point. Acupuncture can lighten the degeneration of cell nucleolus and necrosis of cell, resume the integrity of the nucleolus, improve the function of mitochondrial and endoplasmic, and have significant difference with control group. Conclusion Acupuncture can increase the cells expressing of IL-6 mRNA.

Key words: acupuncture, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, IL-6 mRNA