Effect of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Fang on Behaviors and Cognitive Function in Diabetes Mellitus Rats with Depression

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Fang on the behaviors and cognitive function in diabetes mellitus rats with depression. METHODS Diabetes mellitus with depression rats were randomly divided into six groups, model group, metformin(0.18 g·kg^-1) combined fluoxetine(1.8 mg·kg^-1) group, Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Fang high, medium and low dose(20.53, 10.26, 5.13 g·kg^-1) groups, and control group. After 42 d of administration, open-field test and Morris water maze were used to evaluate the activity of rats. Plasma of CRH and ACTH levels were detected by ELISA method. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the total activities of open-field test activities of rats of model group were significantly reduced(P<0.01), the escape latencies were significantly longer in the Morris water maze test(P<0.05 or P<0.01), as well as the space exploration times were significantly shortened(P<0.05). Plasma levels of CRH and ACTH levels were significantly higher(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the locomotor activity of Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Fang high group rats were significantly increased(P<0.05), and the learning and memory capacity to be a certain degree of recovery. The plasma levels of CRH and ACTH were significantly decreased(P<0.05). CONCLUSION The behaviors and cognitive function could be improved by Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Fang. Its function might be correlated with reducing the levels of CRH and ACTH, and relieving the hyperactivity of HPA axis.