Abstract
BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause for morbidity and mortality. Whey protein components are recently used as functional foods with health benefits. Alpha-lactalbumin (A-LA) is an important component of whey protein. It is a good source of the essential amino acids.
 OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the possible antidepressant effect of whey protein against MDD induced by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) in mice.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: CUS model is used to induce depression in mice for 24 consecutive days and aimed to evaluate the ability of A-LA compared to fluoxetine to recover depression symptoms. Thirty minutes before exposure to the physical stressor, mice were given A-LA daily in a dose of 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg bwt.
 RESULTS: The highest dose of A-LA (300 mg/kg bwt.) lessens depression induced in mice.
 CONCLUSION: This effect might contribute to elevate the level of glutamate and monoamine neurotransmitters, γ-amino-butyric acid inhibition, and enhancement of glutathione in brain tissue.
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