RESUMO
Objective: To investigate the antidepressant mechanism of supercritical CO2 extract from Compound Chaigui Precription from the perspective of cAMP signaling pathway. Methods: The rats model were established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). The rats were administrated with high, medium and low doses of supercritical CO2 extract from Compound Chaigui Precription and venlafaxine as intervention drugs. The protein expression levels of cAMP, PKA, p-CREB and BDNF in tissues and their corresponding mRNA levels were explored for their antidepressant mechanism. Results: Compared with the blank group, the expression levels of cAMP, PKA, p-CREB and BDNF in the hippocampus of the model group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After the intervention of the Compound Chaigui Precription, compared with the model group, there was a significant difference in the callus of each dose group. At the same time, the mRNA levels of TrkB, PKA, p-CREB and BDNF in the hippocampus of the model group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After the intervention, there was a callback in each dose group compared with the model group, with significant differences. Conclusion: Supercritical CO2 extract from Compound Chaigui Precription can exert antidepressant effect by regulating cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway.