Figure 3.

Study design and therapeutic effects of baicalein in mitigating LPS-induced depression-like behaviors. The time schedule of the study design (A). The control group was administrated with normal saline twice (at 0 h and 1 h). The LPS-treated group was administrated with saline instead of baicalein at 1 h. LPS-induced depression-like behavior was evaluated using the tail suspension test (B) and forced swimming test (C). Both tests show that immobility duration increased after administration of LPS (5 mg/kg i.p.). Treatment with baicalein (3 mg/kg i.p.) 1 h after LPS administration markedly reduced the immobility duration and improved depression-like behaviors. Data are presented as means ± SEM. (n = 6) ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001.