Objective: To explore the mechanism of anti-aging effect of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36). Methods: Thirty mice of 28 weeks old were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group, model group and acupuncture group. Sub-acute aging model was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose. The activity of Superoxide Dismutase(SOD) and content of serum Malondialdehyde(MDA) were measured. Morphological changes of jejunal mucosa were observed with light microscope. Result: SOD activity in the acupuncture group was highest among the three groups, whereas, MDA content was the lowest. In the model group, the ratio of normal intestinal villus was decreased, the intestinal villus was shrunk, and there were more epithelial cells desquamated. In acupuncture group, there were less abnormal intestinal villus and epithelial cell. Conclusion: Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) has an effect in resisting aging by increasing the activity of serum SOD, decreasing the MDA contents, and improving the intestinal villus. © Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian and Springer-Verlag GmbH 2008.
