Fig. 3

LBRD standard decoction ameliorates neurotransmitter, inflammatory cytokine and circulating stress hormone levels in the mPFC tissue and serum of the rats exposed to CUMS. LBRD standard decoction or fluoxetine treatment significantly increased the level of 5-HT (A), NE (B), DA (C), GABA (D), IL-10 (H), and decreased Glu (E), IL-1β (F), IL-6 (G), TNF-α (I), TRH (J), TSH (K), T4 (L), CRH (M), ACTH (N), and CORT (O). Data are expressed as mean ± SEM (n = 12 per/group) and differences between two groups were compared by Student’s t-test. ^*P < 0.01, ^**P < 0.01, ^***P < 0.001, compared to control group; ^#P < 0.05, ^##P < 0.01, ^###P < 0.001, compared to CUMS + Saline group. CUMS + Saline: CUMS + Saline group, CUMS + Flu: CUMS + fluoxetine group, CUMS + LBRD: CUMS + Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction group