A natural carotenoid crocin exerts antidepressant action by promoting adult hippocampal neurogenesis through Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is acknowledged to play a critical role in depression. Emerging evidence suggests that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway can modulate hippocampal neurogenesis. Crocin, a natural carotenoid, possesses antidepressant property. Yet, how it affects neurogenesis and exerts antidepressant response remains unknown.

Objective

To explore the role of AHN and Wnt/β-catenin in the antidepressant action of crocin.

Methods

Depressive-related behaviors, including sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), and sexual behaviors were performed following crocin treatment. Neurogenesis was characterized via immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Golgi staining and electrophysiology approach. Wnt/β-ca

SUBMITTER: Tao W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9811320 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature