Effects of Baishile Capsules on Hippocampal PI3K Signaling Pathway in Chronic Mild Unpredictable Stress Rats / 中国中医药信息杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effects of Baishile Capsules on the hippocampal PI3K signaling pathway in chronic mild unpredictable stress (CUMS) rats; To discuss its mechanism of action for anti-depression. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, control group, model group, fluoxetine group, Baishile Capsules high-, medium- and low-dose groups, with 10 rats in each group. The cums depression model was established, and gavage for medication was conducted at the same time for 21 days in a row. The behavioral changes of rats in each group were detected by the novel feeding experiment and Open-field experiment; monoamine neurotransmitter in serum were detected by ELISA; the expressions of PI3K, AKT and SGK1 in rat hippocampus were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot test. Results Compared with the control group, feeding latency of rats in model group was significantly prolonged (P<0.01), horizontal and vertical activities were significantly reduced (P<0.01); the content of serum monoamine neurotransmitter decreased (P<0.01); the expressions of PI3K and AKT in hippocampus decreased, while the expression of SGK1 increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Baishile Capsule high- and medium-dose groups can significantly shorten the incubation period of feeding rats (P<0.05), and increase the number of horizontal and vertical activities (P<0.01); the 5-HT and NE levels in serum were significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01); the expressions of PI3K, AKT in hippocampal increased; the expression of SGK1 decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion Baishile Capsules can alleviate the depression like behavior in rat models, and regulate key factors of hippocampal PI3K signaling pathway, so as to exert antidepressant effects.