Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on memory function and synaptic vesicular protein (SYN) in the brain of rats with ischemic stroke then explore its possible mechanism. Methods 90 SD rats were randomly divided into model group, electroacupuncture group and sham operation group. The rat model of acute middle cerebral artery ischemia was made by thread tying. In the electroacupuncture group, Baihui, Shuigou, Neiguan and Sanyinjiao acupoints were treated with the method of Xingnao Kaiqiao. The electroacupuncture lasted for 30 min every day, one day off for 6 consecutive days and one course continued for 7 d. The first electroacupuncture intervention was treated after 24 h of successful modeling. Model group and sham operation group did not receive electroacupuncture intervention.10 rats in the 3 groups were randomly divided into 3 subgroups: 7, 14, 21 d groups. The motor and memory function scores were measured. The cerebral infarction rate was measured by TTC staining and the expression of SYN in the brain was detected by Western Blot. Results The score of motor function in electroacupuncture group was significantly lower than that in model group(P<0.01), the latency time of entering the hidden area in electroacupuncture group was significantly shorter than that in model group(P<0.01), the cerebral infarction rate in electroacupuncture group was significantly smaller than that in model group (P<0.01), and the expression of SYN in electroacupuncture group was significantly higher than that in model group(P<0.01). In sham operation group, there was no neurologic defect or cerebral infarction, and SYN expression was the weakest. Conclusion Electroacupuncture could reduce the volume of cerebral infarction, up regulate the expression of SYN in the brain, and then promote the recovery of neurological functions such as memory and motor in rats with ischemic stroke.