Objective: To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) on the microcirculation of cat's cerebral cortex and the change of microcirculation b1ood flow in different temperature areas.

Methods: 20 cats weighing 2.0 (3.5 kg were used. After anesthesia with pentobarbital sodium (45mg/kg, ip), one side skull was removed and the left scalp and aponeuroses were temporarily sutured. 24 hours later opened the wound and exposed the cortex to take infrared thermogram and to make laser Doppler observation of the microcirculation: (l) Observation of temperature of cortex: To take the lateral profile of the thermogram of the cortex and localize the spots of high and low temperature by use of computer and some related processing program; (2) Observation of microcirculation of cortex: The lightly anaesthetized cat was fixed in SN-3 stereotaxic apparatus. Removed the dura mater of the brain and recorded the blood flow in the high and low areas with
　　the help of Doppler blood flow monitor. A continuous recording of the change during acupuncture treatment was made in this experiment. The data of pre-EA, EA 5 min (EA5') and post-EA5' (5 min after cease of EA) were used for statistical analysis. To stimulate Zusanli(ST36 )point for 5 minutes at the frequency of 1 Hz. The intensity was determined as the limb became trembling during acupuncture.

Results: (l) In the high temperature area (34.83 ±1.08°C), the average blood flow of microcirculation was 266.8 ±86.8, 422.5 ±2l2.4 and 431.8 ±236.2 for pre-EA, EA5' and post-EA5' respectively. The differences between pre-EA and EA5' and between pre-EA and post-EA5' were significant (P0.9).

Conclusion: EA may increase the blood flow of microcirculation in certain area of the cerebral cortex. The specific increase of blood flow in the high temperature area indicates that this area has been activated by EA stimulation.

　　By Zhang Dong Ma Huimin, Fu Weixing Wang Shuyou
　　Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of TCM, Beijing l00700,China