ABSTRACT
Objectives To observe the effect of Suanzaoren Decoction on the expression of NMDAR1, NMDAR2A and NMDAR2B RNA in cortex and hippocampus of depression model rats, and explore the mechanism of treating depression. Methods Ninty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, western medicine group, Suanzaoren Decoction high, medium and low dose group. Except the blank group, the other groups were replicated the rat model of depression in chronic stress. The treatment groups were given corresponding drugs by gavage. The expression of NMDAR1, NMDAR2A and NMDAR2B genes in cortex and hippocampus were detected by RT-PCR. Results Compared with the model group, the positive expression of NMDAR in cortex and hippocampus decreased in Suanzaoren Decoction high and medium dose group (P<0.01). The positive expression of NMDAR2A in cortex and hippocampus of Suanzaoren Decoction high, medium dose group and western medicine group decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the expression of NMDAR2A in hippocampus increased in Suanzaoren Decoction low dose group (P<0.05). The positive expression of NMDAR2B in cortex decreased in western medicine group, Suanzaoren Decoction high, medium and low dose group (P<0.01). The expression of NMDAR2B in hippocampus increased in Suanzaoren Decoction medium and low dose group (P<0.01). Conclusion Suanzaoren Decoction can play the role of treating depression by decreasing the expression of NMDAR1, NMDAR2A and NMDAR2B RNA in cortex and hippocampus.