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Effects of Kaixin Powder (开心散) on melatonin receptor expression and 125I-Mel binding affinity in a rat model of depression

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Abstract

Objective

To explore the effects of Kaixin Powder (开心散, KXP) on melatonin receptor (MR) expression and 125I-Mel binding affinity in a depression rat model.

Methods

Seventy-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: a blank control group, model group, ramelteon group, KXP high-dosage group (HKXP), medium-dosage group (MKXP) and low-dosage group (LKXP). To establish the depression model, all groups except the blank control group were singly housed and exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Weight gain, sucrose consumption and the open-field test were used to evaluate induction of depression. KXP at 260, 130 and 65 mg/(kg•d) was also respectively administered to the rats in the HKXP, MKXP and LKXP groups for 21 days. Ramelteon [0.83 mg/(kg•d)] was given to the positive drug control group. An equivalent volume of physiological saline was given to the blank and model groups. The liquid chip method was used to measure the concentration of plasma melatonin (MT). Mel1a (MT1) and Mel1b (MT2) expression levels were determined by Western blotting. In addition, a radioactive ligand-binding assay was used to analyze the specific binding properties and dynamic characteristics between MR and 125I-Mel.

Results

The results of weight gain, sucrose consumption and the open-field test showed that our model successfully produced depressive symptoms and depressive-like behavior. The concentration of plasma MT in the model group decreased significantly at night but increased in the MKXP group (P<0.05). The HKXP group showed significantly increased expression of MT1 (P<0.05); however, the expression of MT2 in all groups exhibited no significant differences (P>0.05). The maximum binding capacity (Bmax) for specific binding between MR and 125I-Mel in the MKXP group was significantly higher than that in the model group (P<0.05), but no significant differences were found in the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of each group (P>0.05).

Conclusions

KXP may have a similar effect as ramelteon. KXP improved depressive-like behavior by increasing the concentration of plasma MT and MT1 expression, thereby increasing three Bmax of MR to achieve the desired antidepressant effect.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China

    Yan-li Huang  (黄妍丽), Xue-bing Liang  (梁雪冰), Chuan Cai  (蔡川), Jun Guo  (郭军), Chao Gao  (高超), Jian-hua Guan  (关健华) & Guo-ping Zhao  (赵国平)

  2. Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Attilicated Hospital of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, 100037, China

    Li-qi Qian  (钱丽旗)

Authors
  1. Yan-li Huang  (黄妍丽)
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  2. Xue-bing Liang  (梁雪冰)
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  3. Li-qi Qian  (钱丽旗)
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  4. Chuan Cai  (蔡川)
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  5. Jun Guo  (郭军)
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  6. Chao Gao  (高超)
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  7. Jian-hua Guan  (关健华)
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  8. Guo-ping Zhao  (赵国平)
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Correspondence to Guo-ping Zhao  (赵国平).

Additional information

Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81072744)

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Huang, Yl., Liang, Xb., Qian, Lq. et al. Effects of Kaixin Powder (开心散) on melatonin receptor expression and 125I-Mel binding affinity in a rat model of depression. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 21, 507–515 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-014-1787-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-014-1787-x

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