Abstract:

Objective   To investigate influence of prenatal depression on expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) in median raphe nuclei of rats. Methods   Adult pregnant Wistar rats, similar in age and body weight, were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group. The rats of the experimental group were exposed to chronic unexpected mild stress (CUMS) for 18 days to establish an animal model. Behavior scores were assessed by the open-field test and fluid consumption test. Expression of TPH2 in median raphe nuclei was detected by the SP immunohistochemical method. Results   After 18 days of CUMS, the behavior score, amount of fluid consumption and expression of TPH2 in median raphe nuclei were significantly lower in the experimental group than those in the control group(all P<0.01). Expression of TPH2 was negatively correlated with the horizontal score(r=-0.71), vertical score(r=-0.74)and sugar water consumption amount(r=-0.69), while positively correlated with stop time in the center(r=0.64).  Conclusion   Decreased expression of TPH2 in median raphe nuclei of depressive pregnant rats may be related to prenatal depression.

Key words: Pregnant; Depression; Tryptophan hydroxylase 2; Median raphe nuclei; Rats, Wistar