Fig. 2

The activity of PPARγ affected the improvement of depression-like behaviors. a The principle scheme of the experimental project. BW at the baseline level (b) and the sixth week (c) (n = 10). SP showed no differences at week 0 (d). Pioglitazone improved the ratio of the SP in CMS mice but anhedonia was maintained with the antagonist of PPARγ, GW9662, administration (e, n = 10). Spontaneous activity was modulated by pioglitazone and GW9662 (f, n = 8). Pioglitazone decreased the time of immobility, but GW9662 increased the immobility duration in the FST and TST (g, h, n = 8 in both tests). ^* p < 0.05, ^** p < 0.01 vs. Control; ^# p < 0.05, ^## p < 0.01 vs. CMS + Vehicle; ^$$ p < 0.01 vs. CMS + Piog. Data are expressed as means ± SEM