In an attempt to improve QER's antidepressant activity, a QER-loaded transferosome (QER-TFS) thermosensitive gel for intranasal administration was formulated and optimized.  A nasal histopathological study indicated that the QER-TFS thermosensitive gel was safe for the nasal mucosa.  An immunohistochemical analysis showed that the animals treated with the QER-TFS thermosensitive gel had the lowest levels of c-fos protein expression, and brain histopathological changes in the depressed rats were alleviated.  According to pharmacodynamic, immunohistochemical, and histopathological experiments, the intranasal administration of the QER-TFS thermosensitive gel substantially alleviated depressive symptoms in rats. 
THERM