Fluoxetine inhibits dendrite atrophy of hippocampal neurons by decreasing nitric oxide synthase expression in rat depression model

Aim. To study the effect of fluoxetine on dendrite atrophy of hippocampal n eurons in rat depression model. Methods: CMS (chronic mild stress), mimicki ng human depression, was used as the animal depression model. The neurons s hape and numbers of nitric oxide synthase positive cells in the hippocampal subfields were measured by Nissl staining and histochemical staining of NA DPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate)diaphorase respectively. R esults: CMS deforms neurons in the hippocampal formation, and fluoxetine ca n renormalize the deformed neurons by inhibiting the nitric oxide synthase catalyzing the over-production of NO, which lead subsequently to the morpho logical abnormality in the circumscribed area of brain. Conclusion: Fluoxet ine, an antidepressant, renormalizes dendrite atrophy of hippocampal neuron s by inhibiting nitric oxide synthase overexpression in rat chronic mild st ress model.