Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025
The Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Inducing Anhedonia in Mice
Published on: October 24, 2018
Antidepressive mechanisms of rhynchophylline in mice with chronic unpredictable stress-induced depression
En-Yu Liu1, Chao-Lin Yang2, Jen-Chieh Tsai3
1Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicines, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
Ethnopharmacological Relevance:
Uncaria rhynchophylla ([Mi] Jack) (gouteng) exerts antidepressive effects. Rhynchophylline (RH), a major component of U. rhynchophylla, exerts similar pharmacological effects to those of gouteng. Thus, RH may have antidepressive effects.
Aim Of The Study:
To investigate the anti-depressive effects of RH in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive mice. The anti-depressive mechanism of RH determined by measuring the 5-HT levels, the expressions of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in cortex and hippocampus.
Materials And Methods:
The behaviors of CUMS-induced depressive mice were measured using an open field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). 5-HT levels were measured using an ELISA kits. The expressions of BDNF and CREB were determined using western blot test.
Results:
RH increased the frequency of rearing and grooming in the OFT and decreased the immobility time in the FST and TST. RH effectively increased the 5-HT level and BDNF and CREB expressions in the cortex and hippocampus.
Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that the antidepressive mechanism of RH is related to increased levels of 5-HT from regulating CREB and BDNF expressions in cortex and hippocampus.
