Chaihu Shugan San, an herbal formula, showcases rapid antidepressant effects in chronically stressed female mice by suppressing certain neural receptors and activating synaptic proteins.
The study commenced with female mice being randomly grouped and subjected to irregular stress for four weeks to create a chronic mild stress model. The mice were then given a single dose of either Chaihu Shugan San or another control substance. After two hours, a series of behavioural tests were performed including open field test, tail suspension test, forced swimming test, novelty suppression feeding test, and sucrose preference test. Additionally, western blot analysis was utilized to examine the expression levels of certain neural receptors, synaptic proteins, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
Upon comparing results with the control group, the CSS-administered group showed reversals in all behavioural defects caused by stress. Furthermore, CSS significantly reduced the expressions of certain neural receptors in the mice's hippocampus, similarly to ketamine. Levels of synaptic proteins and brain-derived neurotrophic factor also increased after CSS treatment. However, the rapid antidepressant effects of CSS were obstructed when the NMDA receptors in the hippocampus were transiently activated. Consequently, the study concluded that the antidepressant effects of CSS relied on the rapid suppression of neural receptors and activation of synaptic proteins.
