Microinjection of sanguinarine into the ventrolateral orbital cortex inhibits Mkp-1 and exerts an antidepressant-like effect in rats

► Intra-VLO infusion of SA dose-dependently reduced immobility time in the FST. ► Intra-VLO infusion of SA did not alter the locomotion behavior. ► Mkp-1 expression and the ERK activation showed a dose-dependent reduction. ► Mkp-1 within the VLO is involved in the process of depression.