Abstract: Objective To observe the expression of Cytochrome C and apoptosis-related gene bax in amygdala of depression model rats. Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and model group. Chronic forced swimming stress was carried out to set up the rat depression model. TUNEL-staining and double-labeled flow cytometry (FCM) were employed for the detection and quantification of the apoptotic cells in the amygdala. The expression of Cytochrome C and gene bax was detected using Western blotting and RT-PCR. Results The consumption of sucrose, preference of sucrose, erect quantity and escape latency of model rat were signficantly decreased compared with of the normal group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The percentage of TUNEL-positive cell, the apoptotic cell rate and the expression of Cytochrome C and gene bax of model group were higher than those of control group respectively (P<0.01). Conclusion Apoptosis was increased in amygdala neurons of depression model rats, and bax is up-regulated and promotes the releasing of Cytochrome C.