Fig. 7

UNC9995 alleviated depressive-like behaviors and improved the loss of astrocytes in the hippocampus. The CSDS model was performed for 2 weeks. Then, susceptible mice were injected with saline or UNC9995 (2 mg/kg/day) for another 10 days. Behavior tests such as FST (A), SPT (B), TST (C), and OFT (D, E) were conducted. (Control group: n = 10; CSDS group: n = 10; UNC9995 group: n = 10). F Representative images of astrocyte immunostaining for GFAP in the mouse hippocampus, followed by 3D reconstruction and Sholl analysis. Scale bar: 50 mm. Enlarged vision: scale bar: 40 mm. Quantification of average branch length (G), total branch volume (H), and total branch number (I). n = 4–6 mice/group, 20 cells/group. The mRNA levels of cytokines such as TNF-α, IFN-β, IL-6, and IL-1β were detected by qRT-PCR (J) and ELISA (K). J n = 6; K n = 8. L Protein levels of cGAS, p-STING/STING, p-TBK1/TBK1, IRF3, and GFAP were detected in Control, CSDS, and UNC9995 group. Data are analyzed using one-way ANOVA, then combined with Dunnett’s to assess the differences between groups. ns, P > 0.05; ***P < 0.001; ^##P < 0.01, ^###P < 0.001