Effect of Wendan Tang on PKC,p38 MAPK and P-Cx43 of Hippocampus in Rats with Schizophrenia

Abstract:

Objective: To study the effects of Wendan Tang on protein kinase C(PKC), p38 mitogen activated protein kinase(p38 MAPK) and phosphorylated connexin43(P-Cx43)of hippocampus in rats with schizophrenia. Method: Seventy-two SD rats were randomly averaging divided six groups:normal group(A,20 mL·kg^-1),model group(B,20 mL·kg^-1),Clozapine group(C,20 mg·kg^-1) and Wendan Tang high-dosage group(D,40 g·kg^-1),Wendan Tang medium-dosage group(E,20 g·kg^-1),Wendan Tang low-dosage group(F,10 g·kg^-1).The A and B groups were given normal saline,the C group was given Clozapine, the D,E,F groups were respectively given Wendan Tang, every day,for 21 days.The B, C, D, E, F groups were ip given dizocipine maleate(MK-801) 0.6 mg·kg^-1 to establish rat schizophrenia model, and stereotyped behavior of rats were observed. After three days, the rats were sacrificed and the hippocampus tissue was tested. The expressions of PKC,p38 MAPK,P-Cx43 in hippocampus tissue was determined by Western bloting. Result: Compared with A group, rats of B group appeared stereotyped behavior,the expressions of PKC, p38 MAPK,P-Cx43 in hippocampus tissue was increased(P <0.05).Compared with B group,stereotyped behavior was improved,Wendan Tang could significantly decrease the expression of PKC,p38 MAPK,P-Cx43 in hippocampus tissue(P <0.05).The degree of phosphorylation of Cx43 is also statistically significant(P <0.05) and the highest level of phosphorylation in the model group. Conclusion: Wendan Tang can significantly reduce concentration of PKC,p38 MAPK and P-Cx43,thereby regulating gap junction intercellular communication(GJIC) function.