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Abstract Depression and anxiety are common mental health disorders affecting thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the angiotensin II type I receptor blocker (AT1RB), valsartan, on menopause‐induced depression and anxiety‐like behaviors, and to elucidate possible mechanisms of action by measuring levels of nod‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and oxidative stress in brain tissue. Thirty‐two Wistar albino female rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): Control, AT1RB, OVX, and AT1RB + OVX. Following the bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) protocol, physiological saline was used as valsartan solvent, in a maximum volume of 0.4 mL, and valsartan was administered via intragastric gavage at a dose of 40 mg/kg/day. Depression and anxiety‐like behaviors were assessed using the forced swimming test and open field test. Levels of oxidative stress markers, NLRP3, IL‐1β, BDNF, and CREB were analyzed in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex tissues. Behavioral tests indicated that depression and anxiety‐like behaviors significantly increased in OVX rats (p |
