[Effect of manual acupuncture stimulation of "Baihui" (GV 20), etc. on serum IFN-gamma and IL-4 contents in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of manual acupuncture stimulation of "Baihui" (GV 20), etc. on serum IFN- gamma and IL-4 contents in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

METHODS

A total of 24 male SD rats were equally randomized into control group, model group and acupuncture group. CFS model was established by bounding and forced swimming in cold water once daily for 14 days. Rats in the acupuncture group were treated by manual acupuncture stimulation of bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Baihui" (GV 20), and "Guanyuan" (CV 4), once daily for 14 days. Serum IFN-gamma and IL-4 contents were detected by ELISA.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the contention of serum IFN-gamma and ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 were significant decreased in the model group (P<0.01). While in comparison with the model group, the contention of IFN-gamma and ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 were obviously increased in the acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found among the three groups in serum IL-4 levels (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Manual acupuncture can inhibit CFS induced reduction of serum IFN-gamma level and the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4 in CFS rats, suggesting a favorable adjustment of acupuncture intervention for CFS by balancing the ratio of IFN-gamma/IL-4.