Objective: To study the effect of acupuncture on interleukin 2 (lL2) -interferon (IF) -nature killing cells (NKC) immunoregu1atory network and transplanted hepatocarcinoma in order to provide new evidence for acupuncture treatment of diseases with hypofunction of immune system.

Methods: 28 HAC-vaccinated BALB/C mice were randomly divided into control group (n=l4) and acupuncture group (n=I4). From the first day of vaccination on, mice of acupuncture group were treated by stimulation of "Dazhui" (Du 14) and Zusanli (ST 36) with filiform needles. The acupuncture needles were manipulated by employing the twirling reinforcing method for l0 times, at a frequency of 60 cycles/min and then retained for 2 min. The treatment was given once daily, 12 times altogether 24 hours after treatment, these mice were killed and the spleen tissues were collected to make a cell suspension. IL2 was detected using MTT method and NKC activity detected using colorimetric method. Blood samp1es were taken from the mouse's orbit. Then, IFN titer was detected with CPE microplate staining method. The tumor mass was isolated and taken out and its weight was measured with an analytica1 balance for calculating the inhibitory rate.

Results: In acupuncture treatment group, the tumor weight was obviously lighter in comparison with that of control group (P<0.01) and the tumor-inhibiting rate was 4l.06%. After acupuncture
　　stimulation, IL2 and NKC activity and IFN titer raised significantly in comparison with those of control group (P<0.0l)

Conclusion: Acupuncture could significantly enhance the function of IL2-IFN-NKC immunoregulatory network and inhibit development of tumor in HAC-transplantation hepatocarcinoma mice.

　　Ma Zhenya, Fan Qingsheng & Zhang Dengfeng
　　Shanxi College of TCM, Xianyang 7l2083, China.