Effects of Black Rice Anthocyanin Extract on Depression-Like Behavior in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model Mice

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of black rice anthocyanins extract (BSE) on depression-like behavior in mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Methods: A total of 30 male Kunming mice were randomly divided into Control group, model group (CUMS) and black rice anthocyanin extract group (300 mg/kg). Except the blank group, all mice were treated with CUMS to induce depression. After 21 days of intragastric administration, the behavioral changes of the mice were analyzed by body weight, sucrose preference test, open field test, and water maze test. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT). Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) was used to observe the pathological changes of neurons in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions. Cell apoptosis in hippocampus was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dutP Nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Results: Compared with the model group, the brown-rice anthocyanin treatment group showed significantly increased sucrose preference, increased horizontal movement distance and vertical standing times in the open field test, decreased escape latency in the water maze test, increased residence time in the target quadrant and the number of crossing the platform, and alleviated the damage of hippocampal neurons. Plasma ACTH, CORT, and CRH levels were decreased, and apoptosis rates in the hippocampus were decreased. Conclusion: Black rice anthocyanins have a significant antidepressant effect possibly by regulating the function of HPA axis.