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The influence of Yishen Ningxin formula on the behavioral and neurotransmitter changes in a zebrafish model of generalized anxiety
Author(s):
1. Yuqing San: Yueyang Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Shanghai,China
2. Jianing Shi: Department of Chinese Internal Medicine, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Shanghai,China
3. Zhenxian Zhang: Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
Abstract:
This study evaluated the anxiolytic effects of Yishen Ningxin formula (YSNX) in caffeine-induced zebrafish models and explored underlying mechanisms. Using 7-day post-fertilization AB zebrafish, anxiety-like models were established with 100µmol/L caffeine exposure. Groups included normal control, caffeine-only, and YSNX-treated cohorts (200/550/1600µg/mL). Behavioral assessments included thigmotaxis, vertical preference, and locomotor activity using automated tracking, with GABA/5-HT levels measured by ELISA. Compared with normal controls, caffeine-exposed zebrafish showed increased total movement time (P<0.05), movement distance (P<0.05), and large movement distance (P<0.05), accompanied by reduced central zone time (-28%, P<0.05) and distance (-31%, P<0.05), with significantly decreased bottom-dwelling time (P<0.05). YSNX administration (1600µg/mL and 550µg/mL) reversed these effects, significantly decreasing movement distance/time (vs caffeine group, P<0.05) while increasing central zone exploration (P<0.05). The high-dose group restored bottom-dwelling time to control levels (P<0.05). Neurochemical analysis revealed caffeine-induced GABA reduction (vs normal group: P<0.05) and 5-HT elevation (P<0.05) in caffeine, YSNX-L, and YSNX-M groups. YSNX-H treatment increased GABA (P<0.05 vs caffeine group) and decreased 5-HT (P<0.05), while YSNX-M specifically reduced 5-HT (P<0.05). These results demonstrate YSNX's ability to ameliorate anxiety-like behaviors in zebrafish, potentially through GABA/5-HT pathway modulation. This study provides experimental evidence supporting YSNX's therapeutic potential for anxiety disorders.
Page(s): 1061-1067
Published: Journal: Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume: 38, Issue: 3, Year: 2025
Keywords:
Zebrafish , 5hydroxytryptamine , Generalized anxiety , behavioral Science , Yishen Ningxin formula , aminobutyric acid
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