Effects of BAI-SONG tablets on expression of BDNF and its receptor TrkB in hippocampus of depression model rats

ObjectiveTo study the antidepressant mechanism of Chinese herb BAI-SONG tablets by investigating the expressional difference of BDNF and its receptor, TrkB in hippocampus in depression model rats. MethodRats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, depression model group, BAI-SONG tablets group and Fluoxetine group. The depression model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress and single house after 21 days. The differences of BDNF and TrkB protein expression in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal and dentate gyrus granule cells layers of hippocampus were investigated with immunohistochemistry technique. ResultsCompaired to control group, the average gray value of BDNF and TrkB in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal and dentate gyrus granule cells layers of hippocampus was increased in depression model group , especially in CA3 pyramidal and dentate gyrus granule cells layers(P0.01). In BAI-SONG tablets group,the average gray value in CA1 and CA3 pyramidal and dentate gyrus granule cells layers of hippocampus were less than those in depression model group(P0.05 or P0.01).ConclusionBAI-SONG tablets might exert an antidepressant effect through increasing the protein expression of BDNF and TrkB in hippocampus of depression model rats to modulate the neuronal plasticity.