Objective To investigate the possible mechanism of electroacupuncture at "Zusanli（ ST36） "in the treatment of functional dyspepsia（ FD）. Methods A total of 32 SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group

a model group

an electroacupuncture group and a sham electroacupuncture group

with 8 rats in each group.Except for the blank group

the other rats were received a multi-factor stress intervention method to establish a FD rat model. The electroacupuncture group used a fine needle to directly puncture bilateral "Zusanli（ ST36） "to 15-20 mm

and connected by a Han’ s acupoint nerve stimulator. In the sham electroacupuncture group

placebo acupuncture needles were used to stimulate the bilateral "Zusanli（ ST36） "and the electroacupuncture device was not connected. The above 2 groups were received intervention for 20 min

once a day for 7 consecutive days. The blank group did not impose interventions

and the model group only grabbed fixation. After the intervention

the gastric residual rate and small intestinal propulsion rate of each group were detected. The tyrosine kinase receptor（ c-kit）

microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3（ LC3） and autophagy gene Beclin1 protein and mRNA expression were detected. Results Compared with the blank group

the gastric residual rate of the model group was increased. The intestinal propulsion rate was decreased

and the expression of c-kit protein and mRNA was down-regulated in the gastric antrum. Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 II/microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain

and the expression of 3 I（ LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ） and LC3 mRNA

Beclin1 protein and mRNA increased（ P < 0. 01）. Compared with the model group

the residual rate of gastric in the electroacupuncture group decreased

and the intestinal propulsion rate increased. The gastric antrum tissue c-kit protein and mRNA expression were up-regulated

and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ and LC3 mRNA

Beclin1 protein and mRNA expression decreased（ P < 0. 05 or P < 0. 01）; Compared beteen the model group and the sham electroacupuncture group

the difference of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ

LC3 mRNA index between the 2 groups was statistically significant（ P < 0. 05）. There was no significant difference between the other groups（ P > 0. 05）. Conclusion Electroacupuncture at "Zusanli（ ST36） "can improve gastrointestinal motility disorder in FD rats. The mechanism may be to restore the number of cells by inhibiting excessive autophagy of gastric antrum Cajal interstitial cells.