Abstract
Background and Objective: Male hypogonadism is associated with depression. Hippocampal neurogenesis is reduced in depression. Resveratrol is a phytoalexin with antioxidant properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin3 (NT3) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and Depressive-like behaviours in rats with surgical hypogonadism. Materials and Methods: Forty Wistar-Kyoto male rats were divided into four groups (10 rats each): control (sham), Control+resveratrol, orchidectomy and orchidectomy+resveratrol groups. Forced Swimming Test (FST) and sucrose intake were performed. Hippocampal and prefrontal cortical levels of BDNF, NT3, 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, norepinephrine, malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione (GSH) and serum corticosterone level were detected. Results: Orchidectomy decreased Latency of Attempt of Escape (LAE), sucrose intake and BDNF, NT3, 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, norepinephrine and GSH and increased malondialdehyde, corticosterone and Behavioural Immobility (BI). Resveratrol increased LAE, sucrose intake, BDNF, NT3, 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine, norepinephrine and GSH and decreased malondialdehyde, corticosterone and BI. Conclusion: RES improves Depressive-like behaviours through increasing BDNF and NT3, ameliorating oxidative stress and reducing corticosterone in a rat model of hypogonadism.