Anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects of the Traditional Chinese Medicinal formulation Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san in a rat model of chronic stress.
Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san is a Traditional Chinese Medicinal formulation widely used for the treatment of neuropsychological disorders. The present study examined the anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects of Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san in a rat model of chronic stress. The results of an elevated plus maze test showed that Dan‑zhi‑xiao‑yao‑san significantly attenuated the levels of anxiety-induced stress as evidenced by increases in the time spent in the open arm region, as well as the percentage of entries into this area. In addition, Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san alleviated stress‑induced neuronal death, as indicated by histological examination. Furthermore, mechanistic studies suggested that the anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects of Dan-zhi-xiao-yao-san may be mediated via attenuation of chronic stress‑induced upregulation of α‑synuclein and corticosterone, and downregulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the hippocampal region of the brain at the mRNA and protein level. In addition, Dan‑zhi‑xiao‑yao‑san decreased the serum levels of stress‑induced corticosterone in the model animals. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that Dan‑zhi‑xiao‑yao‑san exerted anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects in a rat model of chronic stress via attenuation of stress‑induced upregulation of α‑synuclein and corticosterone, and downregulation of PP2A in the hippocampus.
Department of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.
Guo-Ping
GP
Cao
Department of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.
Dan
D
Gui
Department of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.
Lu-Di
LD
Fu
Department of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.
Zhou-Ke
ZK
Guo
Department of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China.
Wen-Jun
WJ
Fu
D000818:Animals; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018782:Maze Learning / Q000187:drug effects; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D054648:Protein Phosphatase 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000187:drug effects*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D051844:alpha-Synuclein / Q000378:metabolism
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D051844:alpha-Synuclein; D054648:Protein Phosphatase 2