Effects of Shugan Hewei Decoction and active substance fractions on behavior and neurotransmitter levels in hypothalamus of depression model rats

Abstract

To investigate the effects of Shugan Hewei Decoction and its active substance fractions on behavior and neurotransmitter levels in hypothalamus of depression model rats,and preliminarily explore its possible mechanism. Male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group,model group,fluoxetine( positive control) group,Shugan Hewei Decoction high and low dose groups,high and low dose groups of three different substance fractions. After 3 weeks' CUMS and social isolation to induce models,intragastrical administration lasted for 7 d. Behavioral experiments( sucrose consumption test,open-field test,and forced swimming test) were then performed to evaluate the depression status of rats. Several neurotransmitters in hypothalamus of rats were determined by LC-MS/MS method,including dapamine( DA),norepinephrine( NE),serotonin( 5-HT),5-indoleacetic acid( 5-HIAA),γ-aminobutyric acid( GABA),and glutamic acid( Glu). As compared with the blank control group,the sucrose consumption was reduced( P<0. 01); the total distance and the number of crossing the central area were also significantly reduced( P< 0. 01,P< 0. 01),while the resting time increased significantly( P<0. 01); the forced swimming time was significantly prolonged( P<0. 01); DA,5-HT,NE,5-HIAA and GABA levels in hypothalamus were significantly reduced( P < 0. 01),while Glue level was significantly increased( P < 0. 01) in model group. As compared with the model group,all the above indexes had changes in fluoxetine group,Shugan Hewei Decoction whole recipe groups,volatile oils group,polysaccharides group,and terpenoids group( P<0. 01 or P<0. 05). Shugan Hewei Decoction whole recipe and its active substance fractions can improve the behavior of depression model rats and may exert anti-depression effects by regulating the content of neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus.