Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture at Baihui(GV20) and Zusanli(ST36) of patients with depression.Methods90 patients were randomly divided into group A electroacupunctured at Baihui(GV20) and Zusanli(ST36), group B electroacupunctured at Taichong(LR3), Sanyinjiao(SP6), Neiguan(PC6), and Shenmen(H7) and group C treated with Fluoxetine (20 mg/d, 6 weeks). The therapeutic effect was assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) before and after treatment. Serum cytokine levels (IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ) were measured by ELISA assay at admission and after treatment (6 weeks).ResultsCompared to pre-treatment, the mean levels of HAMD ( P<0.01)and IL-4 (P <0.01) decreased significantly in all groups after treatment. Rank distribution of HAMD scores had obvious difference between all groups. The mean levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ had no significant difference in group C after treatment (P>0.05). And the mean levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ increased significantly in groups A and B after treatment(P<0.01, P<0.05).ConclusionElectroacupuncture takes effect earlier than fluoxetine for depression. Electroacupuncture at Baihui(GV20) and Zusanli(ST36) was more effective than the other two methods. The three types of treatments can restore three types of cytokines and improve depressive syndrome.

Key words: depression, electroacupuncture, cytokines, point GV20 (Baihui), point ST36 (Zusanli)