ABSTRACT
Objective To study the effects of Xiaohuan Decoction on the locomotor activity, spatial learning and memory, and the serotonin (5-HT) in striatum in schizophrenia model rat, and the possible mechanism of Xiaohuan Decoction on schizophrenia.Methods The rats were randomly assigned into four groups: normal group,model group, Xianhuan Decoction group and risperidone group; The schizophrenia model was established by intraperitoneal injection 0.1mg/kg MK801 for 2 weeks except the normal group,and then evaluated by open field test and water maze.Xianhuan Decoction group were given 12 g/kg Xianhuan Decoction and risperidone group were given 0.2 mg/kg risperidone for 4 weeks respectively, the other groups were treated with placebo.The open field test and electrochemical coulometric array HPLC were used to detect the relevant data after 4 weeks.Results The score of stereotyped behavior in model rats was (2.54 ± 0.52,2.42 ± 0.51,2.30 ± 0.48 ) ,it was higher than the normal group( 1.08 ± 0.28 ), the models were successful according the standard.After drug intervention, the locomotor activity of Xiaohuan Decoction and risperidone group (780.57 ± 248.99,819.76 ± 267.21 ) was less than the model group (1204.15 ± 344.25 ), there was a significant difference(P ＜ 0.05 ) ;and escape latency latency of Xiaohuan Decoction (30.25 ± 13.67) was shorter than that the model group (44.72 ± 19.88) ,the number of units to wear (5.67 ± 1.44) was more than that the model group ( 3.08 ± 1.44 ), there were significant difference (P＜ 0.05 ).The content of 5-HT in striatum were significantly decreased in Xianhuan Decoction group(0.08 ± 0.26) and risperidone group (0.11 ±0.07) compared with model group (0.25 ±0.14) (P ＜ 0.05 ) , and there was no significant difference of the content of 5-HIAA between Xianhuan Decoction group(0.28 ±0.36) and model group(0.27 ± 0.09 ) (P ＞ 0.05 ).Conclusion Locomotor activity and memory impairment were improved by Xianhuan Decoction, and the possible mechanism may be that Xianhuan Decoction can regulate the content of 5-HT in striatum in the schizophrenia model rat treated.