Objective To observe the changes of erythrocyte immune functions and T-lymphocyte subsets in rats under stress-induced depression and explore the mechanism in the process.
Methods Depression model was established by using chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) stimulation combined with lonely raising. Weight and behavior changes were observed, plasma le vels of cortisone were measured by radioimmune assay, and then erythrocyte immune function, T-lymphocyte subsets were measured by the method of yeast rosette and flow cytometry respectively in different time point.
Results (1)Compared with control group, the crossing and rearing movement times, clean times, the volume of sucrose-intake and the preference of sucrose in model group were decreased (P<0.05), whereas plasma corticosterone levels increased (P<0.05). (2) Compared with control group, the rate of RBC-C3bRR was decreased in every time point, but RBC-ICR was increased (P<0.05). The percent of T-lymphocyte appeared some alterations (P<0.05) in model group. (3) There were some relationships among these parameters.
Conclusion The repeated chronic unpredictable mild stress stimulation can induce long-time changes in acts and activities of rats as depression. Impairment of immune functions such as erythrocyte immune functions and T-lymphocyte subsets might promote the induction of depression.
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