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Representative western blot and densitometric analysis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) compared with β-actin in the hippocampus. Liver Qi Depression pharmacopuncture-treated mice showed an increased level of BDNF compared with DW-treated and paroxetine-treated mice. The values are the mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). *p < 0.05 versus the sham. ^‡p < 0.05 versus CIS + DW. ^§p < 0.01 versus CIS + DW. CIS = chronic immobilization stress; DW = distilled water; HJ11 = Liver Qi Depression pharmacopuncture.