Basic Research
Effect of chaihu-shugan-san on the behaviors and Notch1 signal pathway in depression model rats
Sun Kehuan, Feng Zhitao, Tang Yizhe, Wang Haixia, Cao Meiqun, Wu Zhengzhi
Published 2018-06-20
Cite as Chin J Behav Med & Brain Sci, 2018,27(6): 492-498. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.1674-6554.2018.06.003
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of chaihu-shugan-san (CSS) on the behaviors and Notch1 signal pathway in depression model rats.
MethodsThirty-two SD rats with similar behavioral scores were divided into control group (CON), model group (CUMS), positive control group (FLU) and intervention group (CSS). The depression model was established by stimulating with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), and the behaviors evaluation was assessed by sugar water consumption and forced depression.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the proliferation of hippocampus neurons in rats, at the same time, real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of each factor (Notch1, Hes1, Hes5 and Jagged1) of Notch1 signal pathway respectively.
ResultsCompared with CON group, the percentage of sugar water preference and swimming length of rats decreased significantly in CUMS group (P<0.05 and P<0.01). Compared with CUMS group, the percentage of sugar water preference and swimming length of rats increased significantly in CSS group(P<0.05). Compared with CON group, there was a significant increase in the inactivity length of rats between CUMS group, FLU group and CSS group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Compared with CUMS group, the swimming length of rats in CSS group was significantly reduced, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Compared with CON group((750.00±27.51)/mm2), the number of BrdU positive cells in the substratum or granulocyte layer of the hippocampus dentate gyrus of rats in CUMS group ((338.75±29.61)/mm2), FLU group ((545.00±17.73)/mm2) and CSS group ((529.38±13.74)/mm2) was significantly reduced(P<0.01). Compared with CUMS group ((338.75±29.61)/mm2), there was a significant increase in the number of BrdU positive cells in the substratum or granulocyte layer of the hippocampus dentate gyrus of rats in CSS group ((529.38±13.74)/mm2), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Compared with CON group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1, Hes1, Hes5, and Jagged1 in the hippocampus of rats in CUMS group were significantly reduced(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with CUMS group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1, Hes1, Hes5 and Jagged1 in the hippocampus of rats in FLU group and CSS group were significantly increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
ConclusionNotch1 signal pathway may be related to the obstacle during the hippocampus nerve regenerating in the model rat under chronic unpredictable mild stress.CSS may play an anti-depressant role by regulating Notchl to improve hippocampus nerve regeneration.
Key words:
Chaihu-shugan-san(CSS); Chronic unpredictable mild stress; Depression; Notch1 signal pathway
Contributor Information
Sun Kehuan
The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518020, China；College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Shenzhen Institue of Geriatrics, Shenzhen 518020, China
Feng Zhitao
Shenzhen Institue of Geriatrics, Shenzhen 518020, China
Tang Yizhe
The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518020, China
Wang Haixia
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
Cao Meiqun
The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518020, China; Shenzhen Institue of Geriatrics, Shenzhen 518020, China
Wu Zhengzhi
The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518020, China;Shenzhen Institue of Geriatrics, Shenzhen 518020, China
