In the current study, we used forced swimming test and open-field test to determine whether electroacupuncture (EA) affects chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression-like behavior. Further, we discussed the impacts of EA treatment on the regulation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and hippocampal serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system. Our results show that EA treatment could ameliorate CUMS-induced behavioral symptoms, stabilize the HPA axis and increase hippocampal 5-HT/5-HT1AR. The data provides preliminary evidence that EA could relieve behavioral symptoms by modulating HPA axis and enhancing hippocampal serotonin system in CUMS rats.

This finding supports the clinical use of EA in treatment of depression disorder and may initiate a discussion on the involvement of HPA axis and hippocampal serotonin system in anti-depressive effect of EA.