Study, 2007
Does isolation stress during the luteal phase cause depression-like symptoms in female monkeys?
Yes, female monkeys isolated during their luteal phase developed depression-like symptoms in the following cycles. A traditional Chinese herbal medicine reduced these symptoms and normalized hormone and chemical levels.
What they did
Researchers isolated low-ranking female rhesus monkeys in a cage during their luteal phase for two consecutive menstrual cycles. They measured hormone and neurotransmitter levels throughout their cycles and tested whether a traditional Chinese medicine called Jingqianshu granule could reduce depression-like symptoms.
What they found
After two cycles of isolation, monkeys showed depression-like symptoms during the premenstrual phase in three following cycles. Their neurotransmitter levels (serotonin-like, noradrenaline, and adrenaline) were significantly higher than in monkeys without depression. Progesterone and prolactin hormone levels increased and showed changed patterns. The herbal medicine reduced depression-like symptoms and lowered both hormone and neurotransmitter levels to more normal amounts.
What it means for you
This monkey study shows that stress during the luteal phase may contribute to depression patterns similar to premenstrual depression in humans. The hormonal and chemical changes in monkeys were similar to those seen in women with premenstrual depression. The main limitation is that this is animal research, not human research, so the results may not directly apply to people.
2
consecutive cycles of isolation stress
3
consecutive cycles with depression-like symptoms
28
day menstrual cycle (same as humans)
About the study
- Original title
- Isolating with physical restraint low status female monkeys during luteal phase might make an appropriate premenstrual depression syndrome model
- Authors
- Qiao M, Zhao Q, Zhang H et al.
- Journal
- Journal of affective disorders
- Year
- 2007
- Study design
- Study
- What was tested
- Testing Jingqianshu granule, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for premenstrual depression
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2006.12.011
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