Effects of three Chinese formulas on BDNF,TrkB in rat contex and hippocampus with chronic immobilization stress

AIM: To investigate the changes of brain-derived neruotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) in rat cortex and hippocampus with chronic immobilization stress and the influence of three Chinese formulas (Xiaoyaosan, Sijunzitang, Jinkuishenqiwan) on them. METHODS: Chronic immobilization stress method (180 min daily, repeated 7 days or 21 days) was taken, and the changes of BDNF, TrkB in rat forehead cortex and hippocampus CA1 were measured by immunohistochemistry integrated image analysis. RESULTS: The contents of BDNF in rat forehead cortex and hippocampus CA1 were obviously lower in the model group of 7 days and 21 days than those in the normal control group (P<0.05, P<0.01), especially the lowest in the model group of 21 days. The contents of TrkB in rat forehead cortex and hippocampus CA1 were higher in the model group of 7 days and 21 days than those in the normal control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). All three Chinese formulas increased the intergral absorbance of BDNF in rat cortex and particle number of BDNF in rat hippocampus CA1. The particle number of TrkB in rat hippocampus CA1 and cortex, and intergral absorbance of TrkB in rat hippocampus CA1 were reduced by Xiaoyaosan. The intergral absorbance of TrkB in rat forehead cortex was reduced by Sijunzitang and Jinkuishenqiwan. The particle number of TrkB in rat forehead cortex was decreased by Jinkuishenqiwan. Compared with the influence of BDNF in response to three Chinese formulas, effect of Xiaoyaosan was more remarkable.CONCLUSION: Decreased BDNF in rat forehead cortex and hippocampus CA1 may participate in changes of chronic immobilization stress, and it can be reversed by the Chinese herbs of soothing liver, strengthening spleen, nourishing kidney, but the effect of Xiaoyaosan is better than that of Sijunzitang and Jinkuishenqiwan.