Effect of Guiluerxianjiao on behaviors and HPA axis function in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

To investigate the effects of Guiluerx-ianjiao (GLEXJ) on the change of behaviors and HPA axis function in a rat model of post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ). Methods Single-prolonged stress (SPS) was used to establish the model of PTSD. The level of locomotor activities and anxiety behaviors were assessed by open field test and elevated plus maze test. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal fast negative feedback function was assessed by dexamethasone suppression test. The contents of both plasma CORT and ACTH were measured by ELISA. Results On day 8 after SPS, model group showed enhanced HPA fast negative feedback and continued to day 22. The anxiety level of model group increased on day 8 and lasted on day 29. While on day 29, locomotor activities decreased and plasma CORT content increased. When continuously treated by GLEXJ for 14 days, the enhanced HPA axis negative feedback function was significantly inhibited in GLEXJ group. After 21 days of continuous administration, locomotor activities increased. In addition, the level of anxiety and CORT content were down-regulated in GLEXJ group. Conclusions GLEXJ could mitigate behavior disorder in a rat model of PTSD, which may be related to regulating HPA axis dysfunction.