ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of scalp catgut embedding for treatment of Parkinson's disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Parkinson's disease model rats were prepared, and randomly divided into a model group, scalp acupuncture group, medication group, with a control group set up. The scalp acupuncture group were treated with catgut embedding at "the chorea-trembling conroued area" lateral to "Baihui" (GV 20) and the medication group with intra-gastric perfusion of L-dopa suspension. After treatment for 30 days, behavior indexes were investigated and malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the brain were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MDA content in the brain of the model rats were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), NO level significantly increased (P < 0.05) by scalp catgut embedding, with no significant change of SOD activity (P > 0.05); and the behavior indexes and tissue and form of the brain had significant improvement.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Scalp catgut embedding has regulative action on anti-oxidant enzyme system in the Parkinson's disease rats, has significant improvement of cells, tissues and form of the brain.</p>