Anti-migraine and anti-depression activities of Tianshu capsule by mediating Monoamine oxidase

Abstract Background Tianshu capsule(TSC)is a Chinese patent medicine. It’s widely used to treat migraine clinically in China. Aim of the study In the present study, we investigated anti-migraine and anti-depression activities of TSC using in vivo animal models together with in vitro studies to investigate the mechanism of action. Materials and methods Nitroglycerin (NTG) -induced migraine rat model, rat was given a subcutaneous injection of the NTG suspension (10 mg/kg) once a week for 5 weeks. Behavioral observation was carried out and brain tissues were sampled to determine levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) by ELISA, in order to evaluate the effect of TSC on migraine progression. Tail suspension test and forced swim test were carried in order to evaluate the effect of TSC on depression progression. Results TSC treatments decreased scratch head times significantly in a rat migraine model. Meanwhile, TSC suppressed activities of MAO-A and MAO-B, up-regulated 5-HT, DA and NE expressions in brain tissues. Tail suspension test showed a decrease of immobility time in TSC groups. Furthermore, TSC increased climb times, up-regulated activities of 5-HT, DA and NE in forced swim test mice. Additionally, TSC could attenuate the reduction of 5-HT, DA and NE induced by corticosterone in primary neuronal cells. Conclusion TSC could effectively prevent depression, one of the most frequent comorbidities in migraine. It may provide a new target for treating migraine.