Effect Of Radix Rehmaniae Powder On Ethology And The Content Of Monoamine Neurotransmitter In Brain Of Chronic Stress Induced Depression Rats Model

Objective: To observe the influence of Radix rehmaniae powder on the ethology and the content of monoamine neurotransmitter in brain of rats with chronic stress induced depression, and inquire about the anti-depressive mechanism of Radix rehmaniae powder; Methods: the rats were divided into six groups, one group was the control group, the other five groups was for the establishment of chronic stress induced depression model of rats and was divided into the model group, the positive control group, the groups treated with large, medium or small dose of Radix rehmaniae powder suspension. The sucrose intake test, open field method test, plasma MDA level and erythrocyte SOD activity and monoamine neurotransmitters (5-HT, NE and DA content in brain homogenates was determined respectively. Results: the sucrose consumption in the model group rats decreased significantly (P < 0.01) comparing with the control groups, which indicated the successful establishment of chronic stress depression rats model; the horizontal movement score within 3 minutes of the model group rats was improved (P<0.05) after the treatment with small dose of Radix rehmaniae powder suspension; And the treatment with large or small doses of Radix rehmaniae powder suspension could significantly increased the vertical motion score within 3 minutes (P < 0.01), while the medium dose also could increase the vertical motion score within 3 minutes; And the SOD activity of red cells was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in model rats treated with high dose of Radix rehmaniae powder suspension; Moreover, the large and small dose of Radix rehmaniae powder suspension can significantly reduce the plasma MDA level in model rats (P < 0.01); And the large and small doses of Radix rehmaniae powder suspension could significantly increase the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA in brain tissue of model rats (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Radix rehmaniae powder can function as the regulator of monoamine neurotransmitters level, and have good antidepressant effect.