ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) improving acute myocardial ischemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a myocardial ischemia model group and a myocardial ischemia model plus electroacupuncture group. The acute myocardial ischemia model was developed byligation of the descending anterior branch of the coronary artery, and electroacupuncture was given at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6). Serum myocardial enzymes was determined by biochemical method and the expression of c-fos mRNA in myocardium was detected by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The activities of serum myocardial enzymes and the expression of c-fos mRNA in ischemic myocardium were significantly increased as compared with those in the sham operation group (P < 0.05), and after electroacupuncture they were significantly decreased (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mechanism of electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) improving acute myochadial ischemia is possibly related with down-regulation of expression of c-fos mRNA in myocardium.</p>