--- title: How does Baixiangdan capsule work to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder? description: In rats with PMDD-like symptoms, Baixiangdan capsule reduced aggressive behavior and altered many genes in the brain, similar to fluoxetine. The exact mechani url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/gene-expression-in-the-hippocampus-in-a-rat-model-of-premenstrual-dysphoric-2018/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - How does Baixiangdan capsule work to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder? Lab study, 2018 # How does Baixiangdan capsule work to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder? In rats with PMDD-like symptoms, Baixiangdan capsule reduced aggressive behavior and altered many genes in the brain, similar to fluoxetine. The exact mechanism remains unclear but likely involves brain signaling systems. Early or limited evidence Laboratory rats selected for aggressive behavior (not humans). ## What they did Researchers created rats with PMDD-like behavior using aggression tests. They divided the most aggressive rats into groups: untreated controls, ones given Baixiangdan capsules, and ones given fluoxetine. They tested behavior and analyzed gene expression in the hippocampus, a brain region. ## What they found Both Baixiangdan and fluoxetine improved aggressive behavior in PMDD-like rats. Gene analysis showed 715 genes were expressed differently between the control and Baixiangdan-treated groups. Both drugs affected 10 genes in common, related to brain cell communication and calcium signaling. ## What it means for you This study shows how Baixiangdan might work in the brain. The main limit is this was an animal study in rats, not people, so we don't know if the same mechanism applies in women with PMDD. Human studies would be needed to know if it helps. 715 Genes with different expression in Baixiangdan-treated group 10 Genes affected by both Baixiangdan and fluoxetine ## About the study Original title Gene Expression in the Hippocampus in a Rat Model of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder After Treatment With Baixiangdan Capsules Authors Wei S, Sun P, Guo Y et al. Journal Frontiers in psychology Year 2018 Study design Lab study What was tested Baixiangdan capsule treatment. Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02065](https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02065) Original abstract Objective: To explore the targets, signal regulatory networks and mechanisms involved in Baixiangdan (BXD) capsule regulation of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) at the gene transcription level, since the etiology and pathogenesis of PMDD are not well understood. Methods: The PMDD rat model was prepared using the resident-intruder paradigm. The rats were tested for aggressive behavior, and those with scores in the lowest 30% were used as controls, while rats with scores in the highest 30% were divided into a PMDD model group, BXD administration group and fluoxetine administration group, which were evaluated with open-field tests and aggressive behavior tests. We also analyzed gene expression profiles in the hippocampus for each group, and verified differential expression of genes by real-time PCR. Results: Before and after BXD or fluoxetine administration, scores in the open-field test exhibited no significant differences. The aggressive behavior of the PMDD model rats was improved to a degree after administration of both substances. Gene chip data indicated that 715 genes were differentially expressed in the control and BXD groups. Other group-to-group comparisons exhibited smaller numbers of differentially expressed genes. The effective targets of both drugs included the Htr2c, Cdh3, Serpinb1a, Ace, Trpv4, Cacna1a, Mapk13, Mapk8, Cyp2c13, and Htr1a genes. The results of real-time PCR tests were in accordance with the gene chip data. Based on the target genes and signaling pathway network analysis, we have elaborated the impact and likely mechanism of BXD in treating PMDD and premenstrual irritability. Conclusion: Our work contributes to the understanding of PMDD pathogenesis and the mechanisms of BXD treatment. We speculate that the differentially expressed genes could participate in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, mitogen-activated protein kinase, calcium, and gamma-aminobutyric acid signal transduction. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Irritability and anger](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-irritability-anger/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Calcium](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-calcium/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Review, 2015 What treatments work best for PMDD and PMS? Review, 2001 What causes PMS and PMDD, and how are they treated? Survey study, 2026 What are the causes, diagnosis, and treatments for PMS and PMDD? Review, 2016 How common are PMS and PMDD, and what are the best treatments? Review, 2001 What is the best treatment approach for PMS and PMDD? Randomised trial, 2013 What treatments work for PMDD? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗