Effects of helicid on hippocampal neurogenesis in chronically stressed mice / 中国药学杂志

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of helicid on the hippocampal neurogenesis in chronically stressed mice and its possible action mechanism of antidepressants. METHODS: Mice were exposed to chronic stress and isolated breed for 28 consecutive days with coadministration of helicid (10, 20, 40 mg · kg-1, ig) or fluoxetine(2.6 mg · kg-1, ig). The proliferation of hippocampal progenitor cells and level of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry showed decreased expression of BrdU and BDNF in hippocampal dentate gyrus in chronic stress mice. Compared with chromic stress group, helicid and fluoxetine significantly increased expression of BrdU and BDNF. CONCLUSION: The antidepressant mechanisms of Helicid in chronically stressed mice is probalblely related to promote neurogenesis in dentate gyrus and induce up-regulation of BDNF. Copyright 2012 by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.