Objective: To observe the effects of You Lv kang on depression behavior

plasma cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)

cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP)

and cell morphology changes of plantar sweat gland cells in the model rat of kidey-Yin deficiency and depression syndrome. Method: Rats were divided into seven groups randomly. The rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was established by exposing the animals to chronic unpredicable stress and giving thyroxine by intragastric adminstration. The model establishment and the treatment by different drugs were started at the same time. The dose for fluoxetine group was 3.6 mg ·kg-1

the dose of Liuwei Dihuang Wan group was 1.6 g ·kg-1. The three doses of You Lv Kang were 7.2 g ·kg-1

14.4 g ·kg-1 and 28.8 g ·kg-1 respectively. The blank and model groups were adminstrated with water daily. All the treatments lasted for 21 days.The behavior changs was evaluated by the open-field test and fluid comsumption test. The plasma samples of the rats were taken for cAMP and cGMP determination by radioimmunoassay. The morphology changes of plantar sweat gland cells with HE staining in rats were investigated under light microscope. Result: All the indexes of the open-field test and fluid comsumption test in the model rats were significantly decreased

with significantly increased the content of plasma cAMP. Vacuole-like changes in plantar sweat gland cells in the model rats were obvious

and sweat gland ducts were expanded. You Lv Kang could improve the behavior of the rats. The level of cAMP was significantly decreased in the Liuwei Dihuang Wan and You Lv Kang groups

and the morphological appearance of plantar sweat gland cells showed to be basically normal

especially in the high dose group of You Lv Kang and Liuwei Dihuang Wan group. Conclusion: You Lv Kang can regulate β-receptor system and improve the pathological changes of plantar sweat gland cell. Nourishing Yin might be one of the mechanisms responsible for the effects.