Abstract: OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of bloodletting puncture at Jing-Well points in the distal ends of the finger and toe on survival rate,survival time,and brain edema in rats with cerebral ischemia.METHODS:Fifty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups:normal,sham operation,model,bloodletting puncture at Jing-Well points in distal ends of finger and toe,and puncture without bloodletting at these points.Middle cerebral artery occlusion models were established according to Longa's method.The brains were taken 48 h after the model was established.Brain water content,brain density,brain coefficient,survival rate,and survival time in each group were measured.RESULTS:After bloodletting puncture,the survival time of the rats was prolonged,their brain water content and brain coefficient were reduced,and brain density was increased.CONCLUSION:Bloodletting puncture at Jing-Well points in the distal ends of the finger and toe can improve function in ischemic brain edema.

Key words: Bloodletting, Brain ischemia, Brain edema, Acupuncture therapy, Points,Jing-Well(Five Shu), Survival rate