Fig. 2.

Neurotransmitter levels determined by HPLC. Dopamine and its metabolite HVA were significantly decreased in the striatum in the model group, and 5-hydroxytryptamine and metabolite 5-HIAA were significantly decreased in all brain regions. Compared to the control group, the 5-hydroxytryptamine levels in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum are significantly lower in the (a) model group (*P < 0.01 and **P < 0.05, respectively). The 5-HIAA levels in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum are significantly lower in the model group than in (b) the control group (*P < 0.01 and **P < 0.05, respectively). The (c, *P < 0.01) dopamine and (d, *P < 0.01) HVA levels in the striatum are significantly lower in the model group than in the control group. 5-HIAA, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid; HVA, homovanillic acid.