Effects of Estradiol on Depressive Behavior and Amygdaloid NGF Expression in Ovariectomized Rats / 中国医科大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the changes of the depressive behavior and amygdaloid nucleus nerve growth factor(NGF)expression in estro?gen?deprived female rats and explore the possible mechanism and targets of estradiol in depression treatment. Methods A total of 30 adult SD fe?male rats were randomly assigned to 3 groupssham operation group(SHAM,n=10);ovariectomized group(OVX,n=10)and ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol group(OVX+E,n=10). The behavior changes were observed by tail suspension test(TST)and sucrose preference test (SPT) after 8?week estradiol treatment. Subsequently ,immunohistochemical staining detect NGF expression in amygdaloid nucleus. Results Compared with the SHAM group rats,sucrose preference ratio significantly decreased in SPT(P<0.01),immobile time prolonged in TST(P<0.01),serum estradiol level and amygdaloid NGF expression significantly decreased(all P<0.01). 8?week estradiol treatment ameliorated depres?sion?like behavior and increased serum E2 level and NGF expression in amygdaloid nucleus in OVX+E group rats when compared with the OVX group(all P<0.01). Conclusion Estradiol treatment can improve the depressive behavior of ovariectomized rats ,which may be related to the in?crease of serum estradiol level and the expression of NGF in amygdaloid nucleus.