In summary, this study found that GFAP gene and protein levels in MT and ACC of rats with IBS visceral hypersensitivity were upregulated and electroacupuncture could improve visceral hypersensitivity and downregulate GFAP levels in MT and ACC, revealing that reactive astrocytes in MT and ACC are involved in visceral hypersensitivity of IBS and thus electroacupuncture could alleviate IBS visceral hypersensitivity by inhibiting the activation of astrocytes in MT and ACC. The gene discussed is GFAP; the disease is irritable bowel syndrome.