Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effect of cluster needling of scalp acupuncture combined with rehabilitation(Tang's Approach) on interleukin-4 (IL-4), T lymphocyte subsets of immunosuppressive model rat.Methods40 healthy SD rats (male, 200～250 g) was divided into 5 groups randomly: normal group (NG), model group (MG), acupuncture group(AG), rehabilitation group(RG), and acupuncture with rehabilitation group(ARG), 8 rats in each group. Each group was treated by acupuncture or rehabilitation except the model or normal group, once a day for 10 d. Radioimmunoassay and malondialdehydein (MDA) technique were used to test the contents of IL-4 and T lymphocyte subsets in each group. ResultsThe contents of IL-4 of immunosuppressive rats can decrease significantly in RG and ARG (P＜0.05). The level of CD₄⁺ T lymphocyte increased more significantly in AG and RAG than in MG after the treatment (P＜0.01). ConclusionTang's Approach can decrease the contents of IL-4 and improve the level of CD₄⁺ T lymphocyte in rats.

Key words: immunosuppression, Tang's Approach, interleukin-4, T lymphocyte subsets, rat