In the cholecystokinin (CCK)-induced acute pancreatitis model, electroacupuncture at ST36 stimulated the hypothalamic or dorsal vagal network, leading to the release of the melanocortin adreno-cortico-tropic-hormone (ACTH), thereby inhibiting NF-κB activity and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, reducing inflammation and having a protective effect on the pancreas (An et al., 2007). The gene discussed is CCK; the disease is acute pancreatitis.