SiNiSan ameliorates depression-like behavior in rats by enhancing synaptic plasticity via the CaSR-PKC-ERK signaling pathway

摘要

Background: Adverse stress in early life negatively influences psychiatric health by increasing the risk of developing depression and suicide in adulthood. Clinical antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, exhibit unsatisfactory results due to their low efficacy or intolerable side effects. SiNiSan (SNS), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been proven to have affirmatory antidepressive effects. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact and molecular mechanism of SNS treatment in rats exposed to neonatal maternal separation (MS)-combined young-adult chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS).