Objective: To investigate the behavioral changes and the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in the anterior cortex in the olfactory bulb damage rats after being treated with Guanyu capsules (GYC).
Method: Open-field test and step-down passive avoidance test were used to observe the behavior in model rats. HPLC-ECD was used to analyze the influences of GYC on the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters.
Result: In the model rats, there was a characteristic hyperactivity in the Open-field and learning deficits in step-down passive avoidance (P < 0.01). The contents of 5-HT reduced, and the rate of DOPAC/DA increased significantly (P < 0.01). GYC 1.2, 0.6 g x kg(-1) could correct behavioral changes increase the contents of 5-HT, and decrease DOPAC/DA level (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: GYC can correct behavioral changes in rats model of olfactory bulb damage, and regulating 5-HT and DA metabolism in cortex is one of the antidepressive mechanisms of GYC.