Venlafaxine inhibits apoptosis of hippocampal neurons by up-regulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor in a rat depression model |
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| Authors: | Xiao Huang Yue-Shi Mao Chao Li Hao Wang Jian-Lin Ji |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Department of Psychological Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China;2.Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China;3.Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China;4.The Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China |
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| Abstract: | ![]()
Objective: To study the effect of venlafaxine on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in rat hippocampal neurons, as well as its inhibitory effect on apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Methods: Differences in behavioral ability between the depression model group and the Venlafaxine treatment group were observed using behavioral, sucrose-water and open field tests. The rat hippocampal tissue was sliced, stained and observed for BDNF distribution by immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis of hippocampal neurons was detected by TUNEL. BDNF expression in the hippocampal tissue was detected by Western blot. Injury and apoptosis of the hippocampal tissue were observed by electron microscopy. Results: Behavioral test showed that venlafaxine effectively improved the behavioral abilities of depressed rats. Immunohistochemistry showed that venlafaxine markedly increased the BDNF expression in the rat hippocampus. TUNEL showed that venlafaxine markedly inhibited apoptosis of hippocampal neurons, which was also confirmed by electron microscopic observation of the pathologic sections. Conclusion: Venlafaxine improved the expression of BDNF through working on PI3k/PKB/eNOS pathway and repressed the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. |
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| Keywords: | Venlafaxine brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) hippocampal neuron apoptosis |
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