Abstract：Objective：To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) in hypothalamus of rats in delirium state，and discuss the mechanism of electroacupuncture on the rat models with delirium induced by scopolamine in terms of neurotransmitter. Methods：A total of 60 SD rats aged 2 months were randomly divided into the blank group， the model group， the dexmedetomidine(DEX) group and the electroacupuncture group，15 rats in each group. Except in the blank group，the rat models with delirium were established by intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine(1.8 mg/kg) in the other three groups； after model establishment， the DEX group and the electroacupuncture group were immediately given intraperitoneal injection of DEX(30 μg/kg)； meanwhile， the electroacupuncture group was given acupuncture at Shenting(GV 24) and Yintang(GV 29) points，30 minutes each time.All the groups except for the blank group were treated for 7 consecutive days. The four groups were given open field test； the levels of 5-HT and IL-1β in hypothalamic tissues were evaluated via ELISA method. Results：Compared with those in the blank group，the frequency and time of passing through the grid，vertical motion，and grooming behavior in the model group were decreased(P＜0.05)，and the contents of 5- HT and IL- 1β in hypothalamus were increased(P＜0.05). Compared with those in the model group，the frequency and time of passing through the grille，vertical motion and grooming behavior in the DEX group and the electroacupuncture group were increased(P＜0.05， P＜0.01)， and the contents of 5- HT and IL- 1β in hypothalamus were significantly decreased(P＜0.05). Compared with those in the DEX group， the frequency and time of passing through the grille，vertical motion and grooming behavior in the electroacupuncture group were increased(P＜0.05)，and the contents of 5-HT and IL-1β in hypothalamus were decreased(P＜0.05). Conclusion：Electroacupuncture at Shenting (GV 24) and Yintang(GV 29) points has sedative effect and synergistic effect with DEX. Its mechanism probably is the decrease of the contents of neurotransmitter 5-HT and IL-1β in hypothalamus of rats.