Objective: To investigate Baishile capsule on behavior

neuronal apoptosis in hippocampus and the expression of B cell lymphome/leukemia-2(Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated x protein(Bax) in chronic depression model rats. Method: Rat chronic stress depression model was established by chronic and mild unpredictable stressors. The observationt of body weight

open-field test

preference for 1% sucrose solution were carried out. SD rats were randomly divided into control group

model group

fluoxetine hydrochloride group

and Baishile capsule (2.88

1.44

0.72 g·kg-1)group

administered ig for 21 days. Neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats were assayed by TUNEL staining; the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax was observed by immunohistochemistry. Result: Compared with control group

the weight gain

horizontal and vertical activities

1% sucrose solution in the model group decreased significantly (P<0.01)

the proportion of apoptotic cells and apoptotic cell count were significantly increased in model group(P<0.01)

Bcl-2 protein expression decreased (P<0.01)

and Bax protein expression increased (P<0.01).Baishile capsule high and middle dose group could significantly increase the body weight at 14

21 d (P<0.01); and significantly increase the horizontal and vertical activities of score (P<0.01 or P<0.05)

increase 1% sucrose solution (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Immunohistochemistry result showed that high dose group could increase the expression of Bcl-2 (P<0.05) and decrease the proportion of apoptotic cells and apoptotic cell count

and expression of Bax(P<0.05). Conclusion: Baishile capsule could play a role of antidepressant by reducing apoptosis of hippocampal neurons.