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Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
Published on: June 6, 2025
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Higenamine exerts antidepressant effect by improving the astrocytic gap junctions and inflammatory response
Jiao Yao1, Cong Chen2, Yang Sun1
1Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|December 15, 2023
Summary
Higenamine (Hig) alleviates depression in rats by improving astrocyte gap junctions and reducing neuroinflammation. This natural compound shows potential for treating psychiatric disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Depression is linked to astrocyte gap junction (GJ) dysfunction and neuroinflammation.
- Higenamine (Hig), derived from Aconitum carmichaeli, possesses anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antidepressant effects of Higenamine (Hig).
- To explore Hig's impact on astrocyte gap junctions and neuroinflammation in a rat model of depression.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) and received Hig (5, 10, 20 mg/kg).
- Behavioral tests (open field, sucrose preference, forced swimming) assessed depression-like behaviors.
- Astrocyte GJ function, morphology, connexin 43 (Cx43) expression/phosphorylation, and inflammatory markers were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hig treatment ameliorated CUS-induced depression-like behaviors in rats.
- Hig improved astrocyte GJ function, normalizing morphology and Cx43 expression/phosphorylation.
- Hig attenuated the CUS-induced inflammatory response.
Conclusions:
- Higenamine demonstrates antidepressant effects in a rat model.
- Hig's mechanism involves improving astrocyte GJ function and reducing neuroinflammation.
- Hig is a promising therapeutic candidate for depression and related neuropsychiatric disorders.
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