Objective To investigate effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on IL-2 and IFN-γ protein and mRNA expression, as well as ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and evaluate the signaling regulatory mechanism of EA effect. Methods Thirty-two male SD rats were divided randomly into four groups (Control, EA, Trauma, and T + EA group, n = 8/group). Rats were anesthetized, and aseptically incised longitudinally to a length of 6 cm along the dorsal median line and 5 cm along the abdominal median line, and the abdominal viscera were exposed for 3 min. EA was applied at bilateral "Zusanli" and "Lanwei" acupoints. At postoperative day 3, splenic T cells were isolated using the nylon column method. IL-2 and IFN-γ protein and mRNA expressions were assayed by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. We examine the activity of ERK1/2 using Western-blot, and the DNA binding activity of NF-κB and AP-1 using Trans-AM ELISA-based kits. Results IL-2 and IFN-γ protein and mRNA expression in splenic T cells of traumatized rats were markedly decreased 3 days after operation (P < 0.01, Trauma group vs. Control group). This was accompanied with a significant depression in the activity of ERK1/2, NF-κB and AP-1 (P < 0.01, Trauma group vs. Control group). EA administration increased these cytokine production and mRNA expression (P < 0.01, T + EA group vs. Trauma group), and the ERK1/2 activation as well as NF-κB and AP-1 DNA binding activity (P < 0.01, T + EA group vs. Trauma group). Compared with Control group, the protein and mRNA expressions of IL-2 and IFN-γ, and the activity of ERK1/2, NF-κB and AP-1 in splenic T cells of T + EA group are not different. Conclusion EA may ameliorate impaired immune function following surgical trauma by regulating IL-2, IFN-γ protein and mRNA expression in splenic T cells, and, at least in part, involves the signaling pathways of ERK1/2 as well as NF-κB and AP-1.