ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To search for a method for increasing therapeutic effect on hypertension and study on the mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-five cases were randomly divided into the treatment group (n=45) treated by acupuncture plus medicine, and the control group (n=30) treated by medicine. Their blood pressure and plasma neuropeptide Y (NPY) before and after treatment were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Blood pressure and NPY content in both the two groups decreased significantly (P < 0.01), and the treatment group in decreasing blood pressure and NPY content was superior to the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture and medicine have cooperation in treatment of hypertension, which is performed possibly through decreasing NPY.</p>