Furthermore, ELS reduced Rac1 activity in the NAc, and the overexpression of a constitutively active Rac1 in the NAc reversed depression-related behaviors and led to a decrease in stubby spine density and an increase in mushroom spine density, suggesting that Rac1 plays a crucial role in the behavioral and spine abnormalities induced by ELS during adolescence. This evidence concerns the gene RAC1 and depressive symptom measurement.