The Effect of Gyogam-dan on Depression and Immunity on Repeated Stress in Ovariectomized Rats

Abstract

Objectives: In this research, the effect of Gyogam-dan (GGD) on depression and immunity were assessed in ovariectomized rats subjected to repetitive stress. GGD is the prescription consisting of Poria cocos and Cyperi Rhizoma.Methods: Ovariectomized rats were repeatedly stressed over a 2-week period. After GGD (100 or 400 mg/kg) were orally administered, Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and forced swimming test (FST) were performed to evaluate depressive and anxiety response. As well, the change of corticosterone (CORT) and the change of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in blood serum and in brain were mesured.Results: 1. In the EPM, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups. 2. In the FST, immobility time significantly decreased in rats of each experiment group compared with the control group (p<0.01).3. Serum CORT level were decreased in 400 mg GGD group (p<0.05). 4. On IL-1β and IL-4 measurement in the serum and brain, there were not significant increase or decrease compared with the control group.Conclusions: These results suggest that GGD is effective to reduce depressionbehavior in ovariectomized rats. However, GGD do not has significant efficacy to reduce anxiety-behavior in EPM test. Measurement of serum CORT level reveals significant decrease and it shows anti-depressant like effect. Results on immunity are not significant.