Role of cerebellar fastigial nucleus electrical stimulation in cytokines-induced psot-stroke depression in rats

Objective To observe the role of cerebellar fastigial nucleus electrical stimulation on expression of inflammatory cytokines mRNA and protein level in hippocampus of a rat post-stroke depression (PSD) model. Methods Healthy SD rats were randomly divided into control group, stroke group, fastigial nucleus electrical stimulation(FNS) group and PSD group. Their behaviors were observed. Expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 mRNA and protein level in hippocampus tissue were measured by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Results The expression levels of TNF-α，IL-1β, IL-6 mRNA and the protein level were significantly higher in hippocampus tissue of stroke group and PSD group than in those of FNS group (P< 0.05, P< 0.01), indicating that the symptoms of PSD are improved (P< 0.01). Conclusion Cerebellar FNS can reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines in hippocampus of PSD rats, thus protecting the nerves against injury in PSD rats.