Effects of chronic mild stress induced depression on synaptic plasticity in mouse hippocampus

Chronic mild stress (CMS) model is most similar to the depression human suffered in daily life. Strong evidence proved the important role of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in the mechanism of depression. This study investigated the effect of CMS on synaptic plasticity in hippocampus. Our results showed that CMS impaired spatial memory and exploring ability, disturbed the release of neurotransmitters including 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA), reduced the density of synaptic vesicle in inner molecular layer, increased the number of thin spines in inner and outer molecular layer, whereas did not affect the density of spine apparatus, the above mentioned were probably related to the reduction of astrocytes and activation of microglial cells.