Effects of magnetic field on the behaviors of depression rat model / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study influences of magnetic field on behavior of depressive rats under chronic unpredictable mild stress,and possible mechanisms under such phenomena.Methods Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into model group,magnetic field group and control group (n =12 in each group) according to random number table.The model group and the magnetic field group received CUMS stimulation daily for 5 weeks,while the control group received no any treatment.At the end of the fifth week,rats in the magnetic field group were placed in the center of a magnetic machine (400 mT),and the model group was raised freely for4 weeks.The severity of depressive behaviors,cortisol levels and contents of C-reactive protein in blood and urine sample were tested pre-treatment,at the end of 5 weeks and 9 weeks.Results After 5 weeks,consumption of glucose solution of the control group was higher than the other two groups (P ＜ 0.05).After 5 and 9 weeks,body weights of the magnetic group and the model group were lower than the control group (P ＜ 0.05).At the end of 9 weeks,performance of the magnetic group as indicated by frequency of grid crossing,grooming time and suspending tail test were improved to a significantly greater extent than the other two groups (P ＜ 0.05).In addition,the urine content of cortisol in 24 hours in magnetic field and model groups was higher than the control group at the end of 5 weeks,and the serum level of cortisol in the magnetic field group were significantly higher than the model group at the end of 9 weeks (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The 400mT magnetic field can reduce the severity of behavior changes of rats with CUMS-induced depression,which might be attributable to its influence on the cortisol levels in blood and urine.