Review of traditional Chinese medicines in ameliorating neuropsychiatric diseases by improving the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters via gut microbiota regulation / 中国中药杂志

The degeneration of monoaminergic system and the reduction of monoamine neurotransmitters(MNTs) are associated with the occurrence of a variety of neuropsychiatric diseases, becoming the key indicators for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Recent studies suggested gut microbiota could influence the occurrence, development, and treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases by directly or indirectly regulating the synthesis and metabolism of MNTs. Rich clinical experience has been accumulated in the amelioration and treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases by traditional Chinese medicines. The traditional oral administration method demonstrates obvious advantages in regulating gut microbiota. It provides a new idea for explaining the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicines in ameliorating neuropsychiatric disease by improving the levels of MNTs via gut microbiota regulation. Focusing on three common neuropsychiatric diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and major depression, we summarized the pathways of gut microbiota in regulating the levels of MNTs and the paradigms of traditional Chinese medicines in ameliorating neuropsychiatric diseases via the "bacteria-gut-brain axis", aiming to provide ideas for the development of drugs and treatment schemes.

Modified Xiaoyao Erxian Decoction in Treatment of Mood Disorders in Perimenopausal Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of modified Xiaoyao Erxian decoction in the treatment of mood disorders among perimenopausal syndrome due to kidney deficiency and liver depression and its effects on monoamine neurotransmitters and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF）. Method:According to the random number table， 108 patients were divided into a control group （54 cases） and an observation group （54 cases）. Control group were treated with Shugan Jieyu capsule orally， two capsules per time， two times per day， while those in the observation group received the modified Xiaoyao Erxian decoction， one bag per day， for 12 consecutive weeks. Before and after treatment， the Hamilton Anxiety Scale （HAMA）， 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale （HAMD-17）， modified Kupperman Index （KI）， Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index （PSQI）， Menopause-specific Quality of Life （MENQOL） and kidney deficiency and liver depression syndrome scores were calculated. The levels of estradiol （E₂）， follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， BDNF， 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）， norepinephrine （NE）， and dopamine （DA） were detected， followed by safety evaluation. Result:The HAMA， HAMD-17， KI， kidney deficiency and liver depression syndrome， PSQI， and MENQOL scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， whereas the 5-HT， E₂， DA， NE， and BDNF levels in the observation group were higher （<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The clinical efficacy of the observation group was superior to that in the control group （<italic>Z</italic>=2.184， <italic>P</italic><0.05）. No adverse reactions occurred after the oral administration of Chinese medicinal preparations. Conclusion:The modified Xiaoyao Erxian decoction effectively alleviates the mood disorders and other related symptoms of perimenopausal syndrome due to kidney deficiency and liver depression by regulating the monoamine neurotransmitters， BDNF， and E₂， without inducing obvious side effects.

Effects of depression and insomnia on HPA axis and amino acid and monoamine neurotransmitters in hypothalamus of rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress combined with sleep deprivation on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and the amino acid and monoamine transmitters in hypothalamus of rats. Methods Chronic unpredictable mild stress combined with modified multi-platform water environment sleep deprivation was used to replicate depression and insomnia rat models. ELISA was used to measure the content of HPA axis related molecules in serum and hypothalamus, the content of amino acid transmitter glutamate (Glu) and GABA in hypothalamus; HPLC-ECD was applied to measure the content of monoamine transmitter NE, 5-HT, DA in hypothalamus; WB and RT-qPCR were employed to measure the expression of GABA related molecules GAD67, GABA

Research progress of effect of anxiolytic traditional Chinese medicines and formulas on neurotransmitters / 中国中药杂志

Anxiety disorders are a common mental illness that seriously endangered physical and mental health of human beings. The etiology of anxiety disorders is closely related to the abnormality of monoamines neurotransmitters, amino acids neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. The long-term use of anti-anxiety chemical drugs has some adverse effects, such as constipation, muscle relaxation, lethargy, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. However, traditional Chinese medicines have advantages of multi-component, multi-target coordination, with less adverse reactions. Therefore, it is a promising prospect to develop novel anti-anxiety drugs from traditional Chinese medicines and formulas. This article reviewed some traditional Chinese medicines and formulas that can relieve anxiety symptoms. These include traditional Chinese medicines(Panax ginseng, Lycium ruthenium, Morus alba, Bupleurum plus dragon bone oyster soup, Chailong Jieyu Pills, and Naogongtai Formulas) with the effect on monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine; traditional Chinese medicines(Rehmannia glutinosa, Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa, Jielv Anshen Decoction, Baixiangdan Capsules, Antianxietic Compound Prescription Capsules) with the effect on amino acid neurotransmitters, such as glutamic acid, γ-aminobutyrc acid; and traditional Chinese medicines(P. ginseng, Xiaoyao San, Shuyu Ningxin Decoction)with the effect on neuropeptide Y pathway, with the aim to provide theoretical basis for the further development of some novel and more effective anti-anxiety therapeutics from traditional Chinese medicine and formulas.

Clinical Efficacy of Qingxintang Combined with Zhenzhongdan in Treatment of Cardionephric Disharmony Type Insomnia Case / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To observe the clinical efficacy of modified therapy of Qingxintang combined Zhenzhongdan in the treatment of cardionephric disharmony type insomnia. Method::A total 100 cases were randomly divided into control group and treatment group according to the random number table method on the basis of the inclusion order, with 50 cases in each group.The control group was given esazolam, 1.0 mg·d-1 before bedtime.The observation group was treated with Qingxintang and Zhenzhongdan, 1 dose per day, 2 times per day, for 6 days continuously, and rested for a day.The course of treatment was both 8 weeks.Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) score was compared between the two groups before and after treatment.The polysomnography monitor for [awakening time (AWT), total sleep time (TST), sleep maintenance rate (SE), sleep latency (SL), rapid eye movement sleep latency (RL), awakening times (AT)] was used to monitor sleep progress.The monoamine neurotransmitters [5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), 5-hydroxy-tryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE) and β-endorphin (β-EP)] were measured.The clinical efficacy was observed in two groups after treatment for 30 d, and the incidence of adverse reactions was researched during the study. Result::Totally 7 cases were lost during the study.The total effective rate in the observation group was 89.6% (43/48), which was higher than 71.1% (32/45) in the control group (P<0.05). The PSQI score in treatment group was significantly, which was lower than that in control group (P<0.05). TST, SE, RL in treatment group were higher than those in control group (P<0.05), while AWT, SL, AT were lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The 5-HIAA, 5-HT and β-EP levels in treatment group were higher than those in control group (P<0.05), whereas the NE levels were lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was 22.2% (10/45) in control group, and no significant adverse reactions were observed in treatment group. Conclusion::Qingxintang and Zhenzhongdan could obviously alleviate clinical symptoms of cardionephric disharmony type insomnia, and monoamine neurotransmitters, with a low incidence of adverse reactions, and thus is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Study on Addition and Subtraction Syndrome Differentiation Method of Huanglian Ejiaotang and Baihe Dihuangtang in Regulation of Neuroendocrine Network for Menopausal Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of addition and subtraction syndrome differentiation method of Huanglian Ejiaotang and Baihe Dihuangtang in the treatment of menopausal syndrome （MPS） and symptoms of deficiency of yin and hyperactivity of fire， and investigate its regulation effects on neuroendocrine network. Method:One hundred and forty-eight patients were divided into control group （74 cases） and observation group （74 cases） according to the random number table method. The patients in control group received estradiol/norethisterone acetate tablets， 3 mg/time， 1 time/day， while the patients in observation group received addition and subtraction of Huanglian Ejiaotang and Baihe Dihuangtang based on the same western medicine treatment as control group， orally 1 dose/day， with a treatment course of 3 months in both groups. Kupperman index （KI） score was evaluated before treatment and at 1 month， 2 months and 3 months after treatment. The Menopausal Quality of Life （MENQOL）， self-rating depression scale （SDS）， Self-rating Anxiety Scale （SAS）， Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index （PSQI） and score of deficiency of yin and hyperactivity of fire were evaluated before and after treatment. The levels of serum estradiol （E2）， follicle stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， norepinephrine （NE）， 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）， nitric oxide （NO）， endothelin-1 （ET-1） and calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） were detected before and after treatment. Result:The clinical efficacy in observation group was better than that in control group （Z=2.115， P<0.05）， and the KI scores in observation group at 1 month， 2 months and 3 months after treatment were lower than those in control group （P<0.01）， and the decrease of KI score in observation group after treatment was larger than that in control group （P<0.01）. The scores of various dimensions of MENQOL scale in observation group were lower than those in control group （P<0.01）. The scores of deficiency of yin and hyperactivity of fire， SAS， SDS and PSQI in observation group were all lower than those in control group （P<0.01）， and the level of E2 in observation group after treatment was higher than that in control group （P<0.01） ，while the levels of FSH and LH were lower than those in control group （P<0.01）.The levels of 5-HT and NE in observation group were higher than those in control group （P<0.01）.The NO level in observation group was higher than that in control group （P<0.01）， while the levels of CGRP and ET-1 were lower than those in control group （P<0.01）. During the study period， there were 5 drop-out cases， 2 excluded cases， and 67 completed cases in the control group. There were 7 drop-out cases， 1 excluded case， 66 completed cases in the observation group. Conclusion:On the basis of hormone replacement therapy， addition and subtraction of Huanglian Ejiaotang and Baihe Dihuangtang for patients with MPS （with symptom of deficiency of yin and hyperactivity of fire） can improve clinical symptoms， relieve depression and anxiety， improve sleep quality and enhance quality of life， and its clinical efficacy is superior to hormone replacement therapy alone. It can also regulate endocrine hormones， vasomotor factors and monoamine neurotransmitters， thereby improving clinical symptoms.

Protective effects on hippocampal neurons and the influence on hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters with acupuncture for promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating the mental state in rats with post-stroke depression / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects on hippocampal neuronal structure and hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine (NE), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) with acupuncture for promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating the mental state ( acupuncture) in rats with post-stroke depression and explore the underlying effect mechanism of acupuncture on post-stroke depression.@*METHODS@#A total of 48 clean-grade SD rats were randomized into a sham-operation group, a model group, a Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group and a non-meridian-non-acupoint group, 12 rats in each one. In the model group, the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group and the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, the compound method of cerebral medial arterial occlusion and the chronic unpredictable mild stress was adopted to prepare the model of post-stroke depression. In the sham-operation group, skin was opened and the fascia muscle was separated, after artery exposed, no ligation was operated and the incision was sutured directly. In the sham-operation group and the model group, no any intervention was performed. In the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20), "Shuigou" (GV 26), "Shenting" (CV 24) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) for 40 min in each treatment and the needles were manipulated at the acupoints once in 20 min. The treatment was given once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks consecutively. In the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, the depression between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones on the dorsum of the forelimb was selected in intervention and the needling technique was same as the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group. The behavioral changes were observed after intervention in each group. Using transmission electron microscopy, the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was observed in the rats of each group. Using high performance liquid chromatography, the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were determined.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the sham-operation group, the Zea-longa neurobehavioral score was increased (<0.01), the sucrose water consumption was reduced (<0.01), the number of times of horizontal movement and vertical movement in open-field test were reduced (both <0.01), the damage of the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was aggravated and the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were reduced in the model group (<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Zea-Longa neurobehavioral score was reduced (<0.01), the sucrose water consumption was increased (<0.01), the number of times of horizontal movement and vertical movement in open-field test were increased (both <0.01), the damage of the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was alleviated and the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were increased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group (<0.01, <0.05). Compared with the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, the Zea-Longa neurobehavioral score was reduced (<0.01), the sucrose water consumption was increased (<0.01), the number of times of horizontal movement and vertical movement in open-field test were increased (both <0.01), the damage of the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was alleviated and the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were increased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group (<0.01, <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The acupuncture improves the behavior of the model rats with post-stroke depression, repairs hippocampal neuronal damage, which is probably related to the contents of hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters (NE, 5-HT and DA).

Effect of Icariin on Behavior and Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Rats with Depression Induced by Chronic Unpredicted Mild Stress / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-depressant effect of icariin (Ica)in rats with depression caused by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) as well as the relevant mechanism. METHODS: The depression-like rat model with chronic unpredicted mild stress was established. Rats were randomly divided into normal control, CUMS model, CUMS+Fluoxetine (10 mg·kg-1) and CUMS + Ica(10, 20, 40 mg·kg-1) groups. Drugs or vehicle were administrated after stress procedures for 21 d. Open-field test (OFT), sucrose preference tests (SPT)and forced swim test (FST) were used to evaluate the anti-depressant effects of Ica. The concentrations of the monoamine neurotransmitters including noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum were measured by HPLC-ECD. RESULTS: Behavioral test indicated that crossing score and rearing score in OFT and sucrose preference index in SPT of model group were significantly lower than normal control group(P<0.01), while immobility time in FST was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in normal control group, the neurotransmitters including NA, DA and 5-HT were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum in rats of CUMS. Ica and fluoxetine reversed those changes induced by CUMS. CONCLUSION: Ica improves the depression-like behaviors of rats induced by CUMS, of which the mechanism might be increasing the contents of monoamine neurotransmitters including NA, DA and 5-HT.

Analgesic effects of Marasmius androsaceus mycelia ethanol extract and possible mechanisms in mice

Marasmius androsaceus is a medicinal fungus mainly used to treat various forms of pain in China. This study investigated the analgesic effects of an ethanol extract of M. androsaceus (MAE) and its potential molecular mechanisms. Oral administration of MAE (50, 200, and 1000 mg/kg) had significant analgesic effects in an acid-induced writhing test, a formalin test, and a hot-plate test, with effectiveness similar to tramadol (the positive control drug). The autonomic activity test showed that MAE had no harmful effects on the central nervous system in mice. MAE resulted in significantly enhanced levels of noradrenalin and 5-hydroxytryptamine in serum but suppressed both of these neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus after 30 s of hot-plate stimulation. Co-administration with nimodipine (10 mg/kg; a Ca2+ channel blocker) strongly enhanced the analgesic effect in the hot-plate test compared to MAE alone. Moreover, MAE down-regulated the expression of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in the hypothalamus after a 30-s thermal stimulus. These results suggested that the analgesic ability of MAE is related to the regulation of metabolism by monoamine neurotransmitters and Ca2+/CaMKII-mediated signaling, which can potentially aid the development of peripheral neuropathic pain treatments obtained from M. androsaceus.

Effects of Xiaoyao Kang'ai Jieyu Formula on Depressive Symptoms of Mice with Breast Cancer Related Depression / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of Xiaoyao Kang'ai Jieyu Formula on mice with breast cancer related depression; To explore its mechanism. Methods BALB/c female mice were set as study objects. Subaxillary injection of inflammatory 4T1 cells and intraperitoneal injection of corticosterone were used to establish a model of breast cancer related depression. According to the consumption of sugar water, mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, paclitaxel group, Xiaoyao Kang'ai Jieyu Formula group, chemotherapy+fluoxetine group, and chemotherapy + Xiaoyao Kang'ai Jieyu Formula group. After 21 days, sucrose preference test, open-field test, and novelty feeding test were performed to detect changes in the behavior of mice in each group. ELISA were used to detected the contents of corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT) in plasma, and the contents of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), tumor markers carbohydrate antigen CA153, CA125 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in serum. Results Compared with the blank group, the consumption of sugar, horizontal and vertical movements of mice in the model group significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05); the latency of ingestion significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05); the levels of tumor markers CA153, CA125, CEA and some indexes of HPA axis significantly increased (P<0.01); the expressions of monoamine neurotransmitter NE, DA and 5-HT significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, sugar consumption and autonomic activity significantly increased in the chemotherapy + Xiaoyao Kang'ai Jieyu Formula group, and behavioral despair condition was improved (P<0.01, P<0.05); the content of tumor markers and some indexes related to HPA axis significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05); the contents of 5-HT, DA and NE significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Conclusion The combination of Xiaoyao Kang'ai Jieyu Formula and paclitaxel can effectively relieve the depressive symptoms of breast cancer related depression.

Influence of Naogongtai Formula on Hippocampus Monoamine Neurotransmitters and Their Metabolites inRats in Elevated Plus-maze Test / 中国药师

Objective:To observe the influence of Naogongtai formula on hippocampus monoamine neurotransmitters and their metabolites in rats in elevated plus-maze test, and explore the mechanism of antihypertensive effect of brain tegument peptide. Methods:The effects of two doses of Naogongtai formula on the anxiety behavior of rats were observed by using the rat model of elevated malaria anxiety (EPM). The contents of monoamine neurotransmitters and their metabolites in hippocampus of rats were determined by HPLC-FLD. Results:Compared with those in the blank control group,the percents of open arms time and entries in the high dosage of Naogongtai formula group significantly increased (P < 0.05),and the percent of open arms entries in the low dosage of Naogongtai formula group significantly increased (P < 0.05). Compared with that in the blank control group, the content of 5-HT in the high dosage of Naogongtai formula group significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and the content of HVA significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion:In the EPM test, Naogongtai formula shows a certain anti-anxiety effect, and the determination of monoamine neurotransmitters in hippocampus of rats may be related to the reduction of rat hippocampal 5-HT content.

Effects of Ligustilide on the withdrawal syndromes and monoamine neurotransmitters in brain of morphine-dependent rats / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of Ligustilide on the withdrawal syndromes syn-dromes and monoamine neurotransmitters of hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens in morphine-dependent rats. Methods Totally 60 SD rats were divided into control group,model group,clonidine group and Ligust-ilide high(80 mg/kg),medium(40 mg/kg) and low(20 mg/kg) dose group according to the random number table with 10 in each group. Rats were given in gradual increasing doses of morphine to produce physical de-pendence. Morphine withdrawal syndrome was precipitated by naloxone and withdrawal symptoms were evalu-ated by Ryuta Tomoji score. The level of norepinephrine ( NE), dopamine ( DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in rats were tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results The total score of somatic withdrawal syndromes in the control group,model group,clonidine group and Ligustilide low,medium and high dose group were 0,(31. 83±7. 33),(17. 92±6. 88),(25. 58±5. 99),(19. 88±4. 82) and (16. 75 ±4. 01) . Compared with the model group,the morphine withdrawal syndromes scores of Ligustilide low,me- dium and high dose groups and clonidine group were reduced(all P<0. 05). The level of NE,DA and 5-HT in hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens were increased compared with that of control group. Compared with the model group,the level of NE,DA and 5-HT in hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens of Ligustilide low, medium and high dose groups and clonidine group were significantly reduced (P<0. 05). Conclusion Ligu-stilide can effectively alleviate the symptoms in morphine-withdrawal rats,which may be related to the inhibi-tion of excessive release of monoamine neurotransmitters in hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens.

Establishment and comparison of content determination methods for monoamine neurotransmitters in brain tissue of mice fulltext / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To compare the advantages and disadvantages between high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ultraviolet (UV, HPLC-UV), HPLC-fluorescence detector (FLD, HPLC-FLD) and HPLC-mass spectrometry (MS, HPLC-MS) for determination of the monoamine neurotransmitters (MNs) in brain tissues of mice, and to determine the content of MNs in brain tissues of vascular depression mice using the optimal method. Methods We used the UV, FLD and MS detectors to establish different methods for determination of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in brain tissues. Then the methods was verified with methodology. The HPLC-FLD was applied for the content determination of DA, NE and 5-HT in different brain tissues of vascular depression mice. Results It was observed that the limits of quantification for HPLC-UV, HPLC-FLD and HPLC-MS were DA 103.5 ng/mL, NE 107.5 ng/mL and 5-HT 93.6 ng/mL; 10.35 ng/mL, 10.75 ng/mL and 9.36 ng/mL; and 10.35 ng/mL, 32.25 ng/mL and 9.36 ng/mL, respectively. Both HPLC-FLD and HPLC-MS for DA and 5-HT were superior to HPLC-UV. HPLC-FLD for NE was superior to HPLC-MS. Compared with HPLC-UV and HPLC-FLD, HPLC-MS showed remarkable matrix effects. HPLC-FLD determination results showed that content of DA was the lowest in hippocampus, 5-HT was the lowest in cerebral cortex, and NE did not differ in different brain tissues of vascular depression mice. Conclusion Compared with HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS, HPLC-FLD can more effectively determine the contents of MNs (DA, NE and 5-HT). DA and 5-HT can be used as the diagnostic markers of the vascular depression diseases.

Changes of content of monoamine neurotransmitters and expression of neurotrophic factors in brain regions of rat models of anxious depression / 中国实验动物学报

Objective To study the content of monoamine neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus, amygdala and prefrontal cortex in anxious depression rats, and explore the possible pathogenesis.Methods 60 SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, vehicle group, anxiety group, depression group, and anxious depression group, 12 rats in each group.Chronic restraint stress combined with corticosterone injection was used to establish anxiety and depression model, the modeling time was 21 d.After modeling, elevated plus maze test, open field test, and forced swimming test were used to evaluate the anxiety and depression-like behavior, HPLC-ECD was used to detect the content of 5-HT, NE, and DA in the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex of rats.Western-blotting was used to detect the expression of BDNF and NT-3 in rats.Results Rats in anxious depression model group were comparable to the anxiety group in time and frequency entering open arm time, and number of locomotor activity in open field, and it had a significant difference when compared with the control and depression groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05).Immobile time in anxious depression model rats was increased significantly when compared with the control and anxiety groups (P<0.01).Meanwhile, compared with the control group, 5-HT in hippocampus and 5-HT, NE in amygdala or prefrontal cortex were significantly decreased in the depressive rats with anxiety (P<0.01 or P<0.05).Moreover, the content of BDNF and NT-3 was significantly decreased in each brain regions compared with the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and BDNF levels were obviously decreased compared with the anxiety group (P<0.05).Conclusions Rats of anxious depression have significant anxiety and depression-like behaviors.Its mechanism may be associated with the down-regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors BDNF and NT-3 in hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex region.

Effects of diterpene ginkgolides meglumine injection on neurotransmitters in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of diterpene ginkgolides meglumine injection (DGMI ) on amino acids and monoamine neurotransmitters in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Methods In-traluminal suture was applied to establish middle cere-bral artery occlusion (MCAO/R)model with ischemia for 1.5 h and reperfusion for 24 h.After the adminis-tration of DGMI (i.v.),the levels of amino acid and monoamine neurotransmitters in brain tissue were de-tected through HPLC-ECD.Results DGMI down-reg-ulated the concentrations of aspartic acid, glutamic acid,glycine and γ-aminobutyric acid which were in-creased in MCAO/R group.DGMI also reduced the levels of norepinephrine epinephrine,glyoxylic acid, serotonin and 5-HIAA in cortex and hippocampus,and increased adrenaline content compared to the model group.Conclusion DGMI exhibits a protective role in rats with cerebral ischemia /reperfusion injury through regulating amino acids and monoamine neuro-transmitters.

Effect of a novel sedative and hypnotic compound B2 on monoamine neurotransmitters levels in mouse brain / 国际药学研究杂志

Objective To study the effect of sedative and hypnotic compound B2 on levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in mouse brain. Methods Mice were randomly divided into vehicle group and B2 group (5 mg/kg, ip), then the contents of NE, DA and 5-HT were detected by high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). The effects of compound B2 on monoamine oxidase (MAO) activities in mouse hypothalamus, striatum and cortex were detected by colorimetric method. Results B2 (5 mg/kg, ip) could significantly reduce NE contoent in the hypothalamus from (1. 08 ± 0. 09) μgg to (0. 88 ± 0. 07) μgg (P < 0. 01) and reduce DA content in the striatum from (12. 85 ±2. 21) μgg to (8. 44 ± 2. 25) μgg (P < 0. 01). 5-HT content in hypothalamus were significantly decreased from (1. 12 ±0. 12) μgg to (0. 56 ±0. 18) μgg (P < 0. 01). There was no significant difference between two groups in MAO activity. Conclusion The sedative and hypnotic effects of B2 might be mediated by the decrease of monoamine levels in different mouse brain regions.

Influence of 8-alkyl-berberine on ethology and neurotransmitter in brain tissue of anxiety model mice / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the anti-anxiety effect of 8-alkyl-berberine in anxiety model mice and explore the mechanism. Methods: The anti-anxiety effect of 8-alkyl-berberine was evaluated with light-dark box test and elevated plus-maze (EPM). The contents of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in brain tissue were detected by high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). Results: The light-dark box test indicated that 8-butyl-, 8-octyl-, 8-dodecyl-, and 8-hexadecyl-berberine could obviously increase the time spent in light box (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. The number of transitions in 8-octyl-berberine group was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The results of EPM showed that 8-octyl-berberine significantly increased the percentage of the times entering the open arms (OE%) and staying duration in the total period (OT%) (P < 0.05). There was variation observed in the concentration of monoamine neurotransmitters of 8-octyl-berberine. Conclusion: 8-Alkyl-berberine has a certain anxiolytic effect. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the contents of NE, DA and 5-HT in the brain tissues.

Effect of the volatile oil of Myristica fragrans Houtt on behaviors in despaire depressed mice / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To observe the antidepressant effect of the volatile oil of Myristica in mice and investigate its mechanism.Methods Healthy male Kunming mice were divided into control group,fluoxetine hydrochloride group,high,medium and low dose group,and all of the mice were gavaged for 7 days.The role of antidepressant on the mice were observed with tail suspension tests and forced swimming tests.Then serotonin(5-HT),dopamine(DA) and norepinephrine (NE) in the brain of the mice were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Compared with the control group((82.60 ± 24.70)s),the medium dose group could shorten the immobility time of the tail suspension tests ((54.40± 15.87) s),and showed statistical significance (P＜ 0.05).The content of 5-HT,DA,NE in the brain of the medium group were (19.35±2.79) ng/ml,(12.16±0.71)pg/ml,(0.27±0.12) ng/ml,and control group were (14.95±4.83) ng/ml,(11.32±0.95) pg/ml,(0.20±0.11) ng/ml.Compared with the control group,the content of 5-HT of the medium dose group was increased and showed statistical significance(P＜0.05).Conclusion The volatile oil of Myristica fragrans Houtt has antidepressant effect,and may be related to raising the content of 5-HT,DA,NE in the brain of the mice,especially 5-HT.

Influence of Hedysari Radix Concentrations Fluid on Learning and Memory and Monoamine Neurotransmitters in Senescence Accelerated Mice / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To explore the influence of Hedysari radix concentrations fluid (HRCF) on learning and memory and its effect on cerebral monoamine neurotransmitters in senescence accelerated mice. Methods The senescence accelerated mice were randomly divided into the senescence accelerated mouse/resistance 1 (SAMR1) control group, senescence accelerated mouse/prone-8 (SAMP8) model group, HRCF treatment group and aricept treatment group. After 3 months of intragastrical treatment, the learning and memory ability changes and content of norepinephrine, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were detected respectively using Morris water maze and high performance liquid chromatography. Results In the model group, the hidden platform test indicated that the latency to find the hidden platform was remarkably prolonged, and the content of norepinephrine, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine as well as 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the latency of hidden platform test was remarkably shortened (P<0.05) and the content of norepinephrine, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine as well as 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were obviously increased in HRCF treatment group (P<0.01). Conclusion HRCF could improve learning and memory ability of SAMP8 and the influence may related to increasing the content of cerebral monoamine neurotransmitters.

Effects of Albizia Julibrissin Flower Total Flavonoids on Learning and Memory Abilities and Plasma Monoamine Neurotransmitters of Depression Model Rats / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to observe effects of Albizia Julibrissin Flower Total Flavonoids (AJFTF) on the learning and memory abilities and plasma monoamine neurotransmitters 5-HT and NE content of depression model rats . A total of 90 SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group , model group , western medicine group ( Venlafaxine Hydrochloride 0 . 0125 g?kg-1 ) and high , middle and low dosage groups of AJFTF ( equivalent to the crude drug of 10 , 5 , 2 . 5 g?kg-1 ) . Depression model rats were induced by solitary cultiva-tion and chronic unpredictable stress . The learning and memory abilities of model rats were evaluated with the Morris water maze . And the plasma contents of 5-HT and NE were determined by enzyme-linked immunosor-bent assay ( ELISA ) . The results showed that AJFTF ( administered with high , middle and low dosage for 21 days ) significantly shortened the incubation period of the Morris water maze positioning and navigation ( P <0 . 05 or P < 0 . 01 ) , and increased the times of crossing the platform in space exploration ( P < 0 . 05 or P <0 . 01 ) . There was a certain dose-effect relationship . The AJFTF ( high , middle and low dosage ) increased the plasma contents of 5-HT and NE ( P < 0 . 05 ) . It was concluded that AJFTF can improve learning and memory abilities of depression model rats which indicates that AJFTF have potential antidepressant effects . Its action mechanism may be related to increase plasma monoamine neurotransmitter content of 5-HT and NE .