Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of Shuyuningxin decoction on the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in hippocampus of chronicstress depression rats. Methods 60 SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, fluoxetine group, high dose ofShuyuningxin decoction group, middle dose of Shuyuningxin decoction group and low dose of Shuyuningxin decoction group. All thegroups were given the chronic unpredicted mild stress for 21 d to induce depression models except the control group. Then they were administratedtheir drugs for 21 d. The level of Bcl-2 and Bax in hippocampus were investigated with immunohistochemistry technique. ResultsCompared with the control group, the level of Bax increased and Bcl-2 decreased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with modelgroup, the level of Bax decreased and Bcl-2 increased in the middle dose of Shuyuningxin decoction group, high dose of Shuyuningxin decoctiongroup and the fluoxetine group (P<0.05). Conclusion The anti-depression effect of Shuyuningxin decoction may be associated withthe expression of Bax and Bcl-2.

Key words: Shuyuningxin decoction, depression, Bcl-2, Bax