To observe the regulatory effects of electroacupuncture on serum and hypothalamic β-endorphin(β-EP)and enkephalin(ENK)in rats with IBS visceral pain,and to explore the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture on IBS visceral pain.Methods:The rat model of IBS visceral pain was prepared.The experiment was divided into a model group,an electroacupuncture group,a sham electroacupuncture group and a normal group.Tianshu(S25)and Shangjuxu(S37)acupoints(both sides)was taken as acupuncture points,and the electroacupuncture instrument after acupuncture was connected.The sham electro-acupuncture group stopped when the needle was inserted through the skin,and the electro-acupuncture device was connected but not powered.The model group and the normal group received the same fixation as the electro-acupuncture group without any treatment.After treatment,the AWR scores of each group of rats were tested,and the serum and hypothalamic β-EP and ENK contents were detected by ELISA.Results:Compared with the normal group,the AWR score of the model group was significantly increased under each pressure gradient,the serum β-EP and ENK content were significantly reduced(all P<0.01),and the hypothalamic β-EP and ENK content did not change significantly(P>0.05).Compared with the model group and the sham electroacupuncture group,the AWR score of the rats in the electroacupuncture group was significantly reduced(P<0.05); the serum and hypothalamic β-EP and ENK levels were significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the model group,there were no significant changes in the AWR score,serum and hypothalamic β-EP,ENK content of rats in the sham electroacupuncture group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Electroacupuncture can effectively relieve visceral pain in IBS rats,and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the contents of β-EP and ENK in serum and hypothalamus.