Based on cAMP-CREB-BDNF pathway to explore mechanism of antidepressant effect of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix drug pair / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the antidepressant effect of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix drug pair based on the cAMP-CREB-BDNF pathway. Methods The rat depression model was established by CUMS. The contents of cAMP, p-CREB, BDNF, and PDE4 in rat hippocampal and cAMP levels in rat plasma were determined by ELISA. The expression of BDNF mRNA in hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cortex were measured by RT-PCR. Results Compared with the model group, the positive drug group and Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix drug pair can reverse the cAMP content in the hippocampus and plasma and the decreased contents of CREB and BDNF in the rat hippocampus. At the same time, the positive drug group, Bupleuri Radix, and Paeoniae Alba Radix can increase the expression of BDNF mRNA in hippocampus, cortex, and hypothalamus of rats. Conclusion The Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Alba Radix drug pair has obviously antidepressant effect on CUMS rat model, which can achieve antidepressant effect by regulating cAMP-CREB-BDNF pathway.