OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in mouse hippocampus and forebrain cortex caused by chronic stress and depression.
Method: 58 SPF KM mice and 29 male and female mice were selected. The mice were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group. The mice in the observation group were stimulated by various stress factors such as fasting and electric shocks on the soles of the feet. One mouse was randomly selected every day. The mice in the control group No. 20 were not subjected to experimental stressors and were raised under the same conditions. The body weight of mice was measured before stress and 10 and 20 days after stress. Both groups of mice underwent Morris water maze test and field test, and observed and recorded the results. The expression of BDNF and VEGF in the hippocampus and forebrain cortex of each group of mice will be measured, and their correlation will be analyzed.
Result: Before the stress, the weight levels of the two groups of mice were not significantly different (P \u003c0.05). After stress, the weight of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P0.05). The correction time and vertical movement score of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group, and the time in the middle was significantly longer than that of the control group (P0.05). The expression levels of BDNF and VEGF in hippocampal CA1 area and forebrain cortex of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P0.05).
Conclusion Chronic stress can cause depression-like behavior in mice.