Objective       To explore the changes of the fibroblast growth factors-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of animal model of depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)

and to analyze the relationship of FGF-2 and VEGF expression with the etiology and pathophysiology of depression.       Methods       A total of 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats weighting 180 to 220 g were randomly divided into 2 groups

normal control group and model group

with 10 rats in each group. The depressed model was reduced by CUMS for 21 d. Then the behavior changes of rats were detected through open-field test

sugar consumption test

and body weighting and feeding

to identify the model establishment. The expression of FGF-2 and VEGF at mRNA and protein levels in the PFC were verified by using real-time-PCR and Western blotting.       Results       The protein expression of FGF-2 (1.23±0.06) and VEGF(1.15±0.27) in PFC were significantly lower in the model group than control group (P0.05). And the mRNA levels of FGF-2 and VEGF in the PFC were also significantly lower in model group than control group (P0.05).       Conclusion       Down-regulation of FGF-2 and VEGF in the PFC may play certain roles in the pathophysiological process of depression.