Objective: To explore the effect of acupoint-penetration needling of Renmai and Dumai on hydrocortisone –induced immune hypofunction.

Methods: 35 rabbits were randomly divided into Renmai-Dumai Group (n=9), Otopoint group
(n=9), model-control group (n=5) and normal control group (n=2). Hypofunction of the immune system was produced by subcutaneous injection of hydrocortisone continuously for 7 days. In Renmai-Dumai group, 5 Haci-needles were placed on the back midline of the rabbit to suck the skin with S-pole and other 5 Haci-needles placed on the abdominal midline to suck the skin with N-pole. In otopoint group, "Fu"-point (MA-AH) was sucked with 2 Haci-needles (which were placed respectively on "Fu" and the corresponding back of the auricle). The treatment was given once daily continuously for 9 days, suspended for 8 days, then given again continuously for other 5 days. Haci-needles were retained for l5 - 30min every time.

Results: After treatment, CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes of Renmai-Dumai Group increased significantly in comparison with those of model control group, while CD4/CD8 lowered signiticantly (P0.05). Haci-need1e stimu1ation for 15 min could significantly raise the percentage of CD4 lymphocytes but had no influence on CD4/CD8; after stimulation with Haci-needle for 30 min, CD4/CD8 lowered remarkably but had no any influence on CD4 lymphocytes. After injection of hydrocortisone, the thymus gland decreased in weight, while after treatment with Haci-needle, its weight increased in comparison with model control group. After subcutaneous injection of hydrocortisone, skin ulceration appeared in l00% of the rabbits in model control group within 10 days; while the occurrence rates of ulceration in Renmai-Dumai and otopoint groups were 37.5% and 56.6% respectively.

By Guan Zunxin, Li Huifang Tang Xiaoyun,