To observe theeect of acupuncture on the brain-taxis of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and toexplore into the LX)derlying mechanisms of combined action of acupuncture and medicine in the trealment of acute cere-bral ischemia. Methods: 37 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=10), sham-operationgroup (n=10). acute cerebral ischemia (ACI)+ drug group (model grcup, n=8)and ACI+ ctvg puncture gr.upacupuncture group, (n=9). Rat ACI model was established by using photcchemical tnethcd. "Neiguan" (PC6) and"Shuigou"(GV 26) were) punctured and stirrulated wilh both hand manipulalion and electroacupuncture, 30 min and 16hrs after ACI. TMP was given to the rats of the later 2 groups using gastric perlusion method. High pressure chro-matcgraphy (HPLC) was used to datect tha target absorption level of TMP inthe brain. Results: The content of TMP inthe brain in aajpuncture group was significantly highar than that in model group (P<0.01). suggesting that acuVnc-ture can strengthen the brain-taxis of TMP in ACI rats, and combined administratIon of acupuncture and Chinese drugmaybe work better for treatment of acute cefebral infarction. ConclusLon Acupuncture can strengthen the chemo-taxisof TMP to the brain in ACI rats.