Our results suggest that an MPTP-induced reduction in <i>serping1</i> level leads to decreased TH and increased α-syn expression, and that these effects can be attenuated/blocked by acupuncture at GB34 and LR3. Our findings provide new evidence for the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture on dopaminergic cells, which may be mediated by control of <i>serping1</i> expression.