ABSTRACT
[Objective] To observe the inhibitory effect of acupuncture combined with herbal medicine on hyperplasia of mammary glands in rats. [Methods] Rats were randomized into 6 groups: A (normal) , B (model) , C (acupuncture) , D ( herbal medicine), E (acupuncture combined with herbal medicine) and F (triphenyloxamine) . Rat models of hyperplasia of mammary glands in Group B, C, D, E and F were established by intramuscular injection of estradial benzoate and progesterone. Nipple height in rats were detected before and after treatment. The number of acini in each lobule, the diameter of acinar cavity and duct in the second pair of mammary glands were calculated under light microscope. The expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the tissues of mammary gland were examined by immunohistochemical method after treatment. [Results] Nipple height in group B was more than that in group A and the scores of ER and PR expressions were also higher (P