Changes of galanin level in different brain areas and effects of fluoxetine hydrochloride on it in depressed rats / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective:To elucidate the possible role of galanin in the development of experimental depression in rats. Methods:Openfield was performed to test the behavior of rats. The changes of the galanin level in different brain areas were determined by RIA. The effect of fluoxetine hydrochloride on galanin level were observed by intraperitoneal injection. Results:Compared to control group, the crossing times and rearing times decreased significantly in depressed rats, galanin level decreased remarkably in plasma, hypothalamus, hippocampus, forebrain, parietal lobe and temporal cortex of depressed rats. Intraperitoneal injection of fluoxetine hydrochloride obviously improved the depressed behavior in rats, increased the galanin level in the hippocampus and forebrain of depressed rats. Conclusion:Hippocampus and forebrain may be involved in the development of experimental depression and in the antidepressive effects of fluoxetine hydrochloride.