Investigating the role of nitric oxide in stress adaptive process in electric foot shock stress-subjected mice. (1st February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kaur, Rajdeep; Jaggi, Amteshwar Singh; Bali, Anjana
• Is Part Of: International journal of neuroscience. Volume 131:Number 2(2021)
• Page Start: 116
• Page End: 127
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01
• Subjects: PTSD -- stress -- adaptation -- electric foot shock -- nitric oxide; Nervous system -- Periodicals; 612.805
• DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1733560
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7454

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The present study was designed to investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the non-development of stress adaptation in high-intensity foot-shock stress (HIFS) subjected mice. Methods: Mice were subjected to low-intensity shocks (LIFS i.e. 0.5 mA) or HIFS (1.5 mA) for 5 days. Stress-induced behavioral changes were assessed by actophotometer, hole board, open field and social interaction tests. Biochemically, the serum corticosterone levels were measured as a marker of stress. L-arginine (100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg), as NO donor, and L-NAME (10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg), as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, were employed as pharmacological agents. Results: A single exposure of LIFS and HIFS produced behavioral and biochemical alterations. However, there was the restoration of behavioral and biochemical alterations on 5 th day in response to repeated LIFS exposure suggesting the development of stress adaptation. However, no stress adaptation was observed in HIFS subjected mice. Administration of L-arginine (300 mg/kg) abolished the stress adaptive response in LIFS-subjected mice, while L-NAME (30 mg/kg) induced the development of stress adaptation in HIFS subjected mice. Conclusion: It is concluded that an increase in the NO release may possibly impede the process of stress adaptation in HIFS-subjected mice.