Puerarin mitigates symptoms of depression in ovariectomized female rats by regulating hippocampal cAMP-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway

Purpose: To investigate the effect of puerarin on symptoms depression in ovariectomized female rat model, and mechanism action involved.
 Methods: Ninety healthy Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to five groups: sham, low-dose puerarin, medium-dose high-dose groups, with 18 per group. Changes levels dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), apoptosis-related proteins determined compared.
 Results: Compared sham group, vertical horizontal scores, DA, NA, 5-HT, Bcl-2, p-CREB BDNF model group significantly decreased. On other hand, duration immobility forced swimming was prolonged, while concentrations caspase-1 ASC increased (p < 0.05). increase pueraria dose, expression gradually increased, shortened, Caspase-1 w decreased gradually, relative 0.05).
 Conclusion: Puerarin mitigates depression-like behavior ovariectomized-depression by activating cAMP-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway. Thus, this compound is a potential new lead development drugs for treatment women.