Neural Fuyuan Formula Promotes Neural Plasticity Through Bdnf/Trk Beta Signaling Pathway

Background: Depression after stroke is usually a chronic process, which was associated with many health problems. This study was aimed to investigate the underline mechanism of the effect of Neural Fuyuan Formula (NFF) in post-stroke depression and the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the signal pathway regulated by NFF.Methods: A rat post-stroke depression model was established. Synaptic plasticity of rat was detected by Electron microscopy. The expression of BDNF signaling proteins and synapse related proteins were measured by Western blot. The expression of Synapsin-1 (SYN1) in rat and the culture neurons was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Dendritic complexity was also measured.Results: NFF could attenuate the synapse change in the post-stroke depression (PSD) model rat. NFF increased the expression of BDNF signaling proteins and synapse related proteins of the PSD model rat (P<0.05). NFF increased the expression of SYN1 in rat and the culture neurons (P<0.05). NFF could also increase the dendritic complexity in culture neurons (P<0.05).Conclusions: NFF promoted recovery of neurological function through BDNF signaling pathways, which further affirm the curative effect of NFF for treatment of post-stroke depression.