To observe the effects of Baihui (GV20) and Zusanli (ST36) on cognitive ability of rats with acute cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury,and to further explore its possible mechanism through Notch signaling pathway.Methods:A total of 45 SPF SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (n=15) and a model group (n=30).The model group was established by modified middle cerebral artery infarction (Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion,MCAO),totally 24 were successfully modeled,which were then randomly divided into an ischemic group (n=12) and an intervention group (n=12).The rats in the blank group and the model group did not accept any intervention means,while the rats in the intervention group began massage at Baihui (GV20) and Zusanli (ST36) 24 hours after modeling,20 mins each time and twice a day for 14 days.After the intervention,the cognitive ability of rats in each group was evaluated by water maze.The volume of cerebral infarction was observed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining (TTC),and the ultrastructural changes of hippocampus were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).The changes of Notch1 and NICD proteins were detected by Western blotting.Results:1)On the 14th day of intervention,there was significant difference in escape latency between the blank group,the ischemia group and the intervention group (P<0.05),and there was significant difference between the intervention group and the ischemia group (P<0.05).The blank group and the intervention group crossed the platform more times than the ischemic group,and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).2)After 14 days of intervention,TTC showed that there were obvious ischemic infarction lesions in the brain region of the ischemic group,but the infarct volume in the intervention group was significantly decreased than that in the ischemic group,with statistically significant difference (P<0.05).3)The results of transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that the structure of hippocampal neurons in the ischemic group was obviously destroyed,resulting in a series of signs of degeneration and necrosis of brain tissue cells.In the intervention group,the degree of necrosis and dissolution of hippocampal neurons on the ischemic side of the brain was significantly reduced in the intervention group.4)Western blotting showed that Notch1 and NICD protein were significantly increased after intervention,which were different from those in ischemic group (P<0.05).Conclusion:Massage at Baihui (GV20) and Zusanli (ST36) can improve the neurological deficit,improve cognitive ability,reduce the volume of cerebral infarction and promote the repair of neuronal morphology and structure,and the mechanism may be realized by Notch signaling pathway.