Objective: To observe the effect of shuyu capsule on the expression of serotonin 1A receptor(5-HT1AR)

dopamine D2 receptor(D2R)

α 2A adrenergic receptor(α2AR) and apolipoprotein E4(Apo E4) in brain tissue of rats with vascular depression model. Method: Except the normal group rats were given Vitamin D3(VD3) 300 000 U·kg-1 byintramuscular injection

for 3 d

at fourth day high-fat feeding was caried out

lasted for 9 weeks

meanwhile chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was performed for 3 weeks to establish the rat model of vascular depression. Shuyu capsule low dose (533 mg·kg-1)

middle dose (1 066 mg·kg-1)

high dose(2 132 mg·kg-1) and fluoxetine (1.3 mg·kg-1)were administered intragastrically group were given fluoxetine hydrochloride

the normal group and the model group rats were administrated distilled water

the treatment lasted 21 days. In the open field test

sucrose preference test was scored

immunohistochemical method was used to detect the changes of content of 5-HT1AR in brain

D2R

α 2AR

Apo E4 content determination by ELISA method. Result: The 5-HT1AR

D2R

α2AR receptor and Apo E4 expression increased significantly in the model group (P<0.01).Shuyu capsule low

middle

high dose groups and fluoxetine group

compared with the model group

could reduce the 5-HT1AR and D2R

α2AR receptor and decreased the content of Apo E4 (P<0.05

P<0.01)

Conclusion: Shuyu capsule may have anti-vascular depression effect

its mechanism may be related to the decrease of 5-HT1AR

D2R

α2AR and expression of Apo E4.