Expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor protein and message RNA in the dentate gyrus in post-stroke depression rats

Objective To investigate the expression of 5-HT1A receptor protein and message Ribonucleic Acid(mRNA)in the dentate gyrus in post-stroke depression(PSD)rats.Methods All 36 male SD rats were divided into 4 groups:control,stroke,depression and PSD group.The PSD model was made by consistent focal cerebral infarcts through left middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO),followed by 18-day exposure to chronic mild stress(CMS)and single housing.The expression of the 5-HT1A receptors protein and mRNA were assayed with Western blotting and real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction(PCR)on the days 19 and 28 after CMS procedure beginning respectively.Results At day 19,the PSD model rats showed decreased expression of 5-HT1A receptor protein(0.400±0.030 vs.1.320±0.060;0.610±0.060.all P＜0.001)and mRNA(0.012±0.001 vs.0.361±0.010:0.039±0.002:P＜0.001,respectively)in comparison with the control and stroke ones respectively.At day 28.the PSD rats showed declined expression of 5-HT1A receptors(0.080±0.020 vs.0.620±0.030;0.260±0.040;0.320±0.020,all P＜0.001)compared to the control,stroke and depressive ones respectively.and lower mRNA(0.013±0.001 vs.0.336±0.011;0.063±0.006,all P＜0.001)compared to the control,stroke ones.Conclusion ,The declined expression of 5-HT1A receptors mRNA and protein in the dentate gyrus in PSD model rats suggests it may be one of the molecular mechanisms in PSD incidence. Key words: Cerebrovascular accident; Depression;  Receptor,serotonin,5-HT1A; Hippocampus; Dentate gyrus