摘要Apoptosis in hippocampal neurons is an important contributor to depression.[Ca2+]i of hippocampal neurons may raise rapidly with increased cortioosterone concentrations,leading to apoptosis.The anti-depressant effects of Xiaoyaosan(Free and Easy Wanderer's Powder)may inhibit apoptosis by down regulating the[Ca2+]i overload.PC12 cells were containing with corticosterone to simulate neuronal injury,dosed with Xiaoyaosan-containing serum,and the following parameters were measured: apoptosis,[Ca2+]i overload,and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential(Δψm)and bioenergetics.High-dose Xiaoyaosan-containing serum(the dose of intragastric administration was 2.633 g herb/mL)not only inhibited morphological injury and cell apoptosis,but also suppressed[Ca2+]i overload induced by corticosterone.Xiaoyaosan also blocked the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate levels induced by corticosterone.Xiaoyaosan dose-dependently suppresses corticosterone-induced apoptosis,potentially via inhibiting[Ca2+]i overload,and prevents impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate production,providing a putative mechanism for its antidepressant effects.