Investigating the Relationship between Depression and Physical Activity Index Following Short-Term Stress Induction: An Animal Study
Subject Areas : Sport Physiology
Maedeh Poureskandar
1
,
Saleh Rahmati
2
*
,
Zahra Entezari
3
,
Marzieh Balali
4
1 - Department of Motor Behavior, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 - Department of Physical Education, Pardis Branch, Islamic Azad University, Pardis, Iran.
3 - Department of Motor Behavior, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
4 - Department of Motor Behavior, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Keywords: Stress, depression, activity index, behavioral test, forced swimming test,
Abstract :
Background: Examining the impact of short-term stress on depressive-like behavior and motor activity in rats is a crucial aspect of behavioral and neuroscience research. Short-term stress can influence rats' depressive-like behavior and decrease their motor activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term stress on depressive-like behavior and the running index of male Wistar rats, as well as the relationship between the two variables. Materials and Methods: Examining the impact of short-term stress on depressive-like behavior and motor activity in rats is a crucial aspect of behavioral and neuroscience research. Short-term stress can influence rats' depressive-like behavior and decrease their motor activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term stress on depressive-like behavior and the running index of male Wistar rats, as well as the relationship between the two variables. Results: Short-term stress significantly increased the 24-hour running index (P=0.01). The depression-like behavior of rats after stress induction did not show any significant difference. There was no significant relationship between the amount of running and depressive-like behavior (P=0.13). Conclusion: Based on the present findings, short-term stress caused an increase in the activity of male Wistar rats, which was not related to depressive-like behavior.
1.Yaribeygi H, Panahi Y, Sahraei H, et al. (2017) The impact of stress on body function: A review. EXCLI journal 16: 1057-1072. 10.17179/excli2017-480.
2 .Dhabhar FS (2018) The short-term stress response – Mother nature’s mechanism for enhancing protection and performance under conditions of threat, challenge, and opportunity. Frontiers in neuroendocrinology 49: 175-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.03.004.
3. Salleh MR (2008) Life event, stress and illness. The Malaysian journal of medical sciences : MJMS 15: 9-18.
4. Burtscher J, Niedermeier M, Hüfner K, et al. (2022) The interplay of hypoxic and mental stress: Implications for anxiety and depressive disorders. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 138: 104718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104718.
5. Metz GAS, Schwab ME, Welzl H (2001) The effects of acute and chronic stress on motor and sensory performance in male Lewis rats. Physiology & Behavior 72: 29-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9384(00)00371-1.
6. Atrooz F, Alkadhi KA, Salim S (2021) Understanding stress: Insights from rodent models. Current research in neurobiology 2: 100013. 10.1016/j.crneur.2021.100013.
7. Clay AM, Carr RL, Dubien J, et al. (2022) Short-term behavioral and histological changes in a rodent model of mild traumatic brain injury. Biomedical Engineering Advances 4: 100061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bea.2022.100061.
8. Pujo JM, Fitriani DY, Ben Saad H, et al. (2023) The effects of prolonged stress exposure on the brain of rats and insights to understand the impact of work-related stress on caregivers. Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience 17: 1288814. 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1288814.
9. Schettino M, Tarmati V, Castellano P, et al. (2024) Effects of acute stress on reward processing: A comprehensive meta-analysis of rodent and human studies. Neurobiology of Stress 100647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100647.
10. Kumar A, Rinwa P, Kaur G, et al. (2013) Stress: Neurobiology, consequences and management. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences 5: 91-97. 10.4103/0975-7406.111818.
11. Poureskandar M, Rahmati S, Entezari Z, et al. (2023) Investigating the effect of long-term unpredictable mild stress on anxiety, passive avoidance memory, depression-like behavior, and running index of male Wistar rats %J Advances in Cognitive Sciences. 25: 73-89. 10.30514/icss.25.1.73.
12. Babaei A, Nourshahi M, Fani M, et al. (2021) The effectiveness of continuous and interval exercise preconditioning against chronic unpredictable stress: Involvement of hippocampal PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway. Journal of psychiatric research 136: 173-183. 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.006.
13. Rahmati-Ahmadabad S, Azarbayjani MA, Broom DR, et al. (2021) Effects of high-intensity interval training and flaxseed oil supplement on learning, memory and immobility: relationship with BDNF and TrkB genes. Comparative Exercise Physiology 17: 273-284. https://doi.org/10.3920/CEP200046.
14. Entezari Z, Babaei A, Rahmati-Ahmadabad S (2020) Effect of Voluntary Exercise Training on Corticosterone Level and Immobility Behavior Induced by Chronic Stress in Rats. gums-cjns 6: 164-169. 10.32598/CJNS.6.22.6.
15. Hennessy MB, Willen RM, Schiml PA (2020) Psychological Stress, Its Reduction, and Long-Term Consequences: What Studies with Laboratory Animals Might Teach Us about Life in the Dog Shelter. 10: 2061.
16. Alexa AI, Zamfir CL, Bogdănici CM, et al. (2023) The Impact of Chronic Stress on Behavior and Body Mass in New Animal Models. Brain sciences 13: 10.3390/brainsci13101492.
17. Maggio N, Segal M. Chapter 8 - Stress, Corticosterone, and Hippocampal Plasticity. In: Fink G, editor. Stress: Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pathology: Academic Press; 2019. p. 93-104.
18. Dhabhar FS (2018) The short-term stress response - Mother nature's mechanism for enhancing protection and performance under conditions of threat, challenge, and opportunity. Frontiers in neuroendocrinology 49: 175-192. 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.03.004.
19. Nowacka-Chmielewska M, Grabowska K, Grabowski M, et al. (2022) Running from Stress: Neurobiological Mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Stress Resilience. Int J Mol Sci 23: 10.3390/ijms232113348.
20. Tong RL, Kahn UN, Grafe LA, et al. (2023) Stress circuitry: mechanisms behind nervous and immune system communication that influence behavior. 14: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1240783.
21. Anderson E, Shivakumar G (2013) Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety. Frontiers in psychiatry 4: 27. 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00027.
Investigating the Relationship between Depression and Physical Activity Index Following Short-Term Stress Induction: An Animal Study
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Journal of Exercise&
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Research Article |
Maedeh Poureskandar1, Saleh Rahmati2*, Zahra Entezari3, Marzieh Balali4 1. Department of Motor Behavior, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. 2. Department of Physical Education, Pardis Branch, Islamic Azad University, Pardis, Iran. 3. Department of Motor Behavior, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. 4. Department of Motor Behavior, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. |
Received: 2 May 2024 Revised: 10 May2024 Accepted: 20 May 2024
Keywords: Stress, depression, activity index, behavioral test, forced swimming test. |
Abstract
Background: Examining the impact of short-term stress on depressive-like behavior and motor activity in rats is a crucial aspect of behavioral and neuroscience research. Short-term stress can influence rats' depressive-like behavior and decrease their motor activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term stress on depressive-like behavior and the running index of male Wistar rats, as well as the relationship between the two variables. Materials and Methods: Examining the impact of short-term stress on depressive-like behavior and motor activity in rats is a crucial aspect of behavioral and neuroscience research. Short-term stress can influence rats' depressive-like behavior and decrease their motor activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of short-term stress on depressive-like behavior and the running index of male Wistar rats, as well as the relationship between the two variables. Results: Short-term stress significantly increased the 24-hour running index (P=0.01). The depression-like behavior of rats after stress induction did not show any significant difference. There was no significant relationship between the amount of running and depressive-like behavior (P=0.13). Conclusion: Based on the present findings, short-term stress caused an increase in the activity of male Wistar rats, which was not related to depressive-like behavior. |
Received 3 March 2021; Accepted 5 May 2021 |
Journal of Sports Physiology and Athletic Conditioning Talk |
*Corresponding author: Saleh Rahmati Address: Department of Physical Education, Pardis Branch, Islamic Azad University, Pardis, Iran. Email: Salehrahmati@pardisiau.ac.ir Tell: +982176281669 |
1. Introduction |
Journal of Exercise&
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Ultimately, this research can enhance our comprehension of depressive-like behavior, aid in the development of treatment strategies, and improve therapeutic approaches for depression and related conditions [6]. This study aims to explore the effects of short-term unpredictable stress on depressive-like behavior and running performance in male Wistar rats, as well as examine the correlation between these two variables.
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Short-term stress has wide range of effects on human health and psychology [1, 2]. Some of the consequences of this type of stress include an elevated heart rate, difficulty breathing, an increase in stress hormones like cortisol, a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, an increased susceptibility to mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, a heightened risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, weakened immune system function, disrupted sleep patterns, heightened fatigue, decreased concentration and attention, increased feelings of nervousness and impatience, heightened aggression, and an increased likelihood of substance abuse [3, 4]. Inducing acute/short-term stress in mice occurs as a result of sudden and intense stimuli, leading to a rise in cortisol levels in the body [1, 5]. This acute/short-term stress response in mice can trigger both biological and behavioral changes, playing a significant role in behavioral and neuroscience studies. The investigation of short-term in rodents can help elucidate the physiological and behavioral outcomes of this state and its impact on their nervous system and actions [6, 7]. Examining the impact of short-term stress on depressive-like behavior and motor activity in rats is a crucial aspect of behavioral and neuroscience research. Short-term stress can influence rats' depressive-like behavior and decrease their motor activity [6, 8]. Various methods, such as behavioral assessments like the Forced Swim Test and the Open Field Test, can be employed to study these effects. Additionally, neurochemical approaches can be utilized to measure serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain to understand how stress affects central nervous system activity [9, 10]. |
2. Materials and Methods |
The current study is an experimental study that utilized 16 male Wistar rats with an average weight ranging from 200 to 250 grams. The rats were housed in special polycarbonate cages under standard conditions, including an average temperature of 22±4°C, humidity of 55±4%, and a 12:12 light-dark cycle. They were provided with free access to laboratory mice food and water from Pars Animal Feed Company. The rats were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control, with 8 rats in each group. The experimental group was subjected to short-term stress for four weeks, while the control group remained under normal conditions. Following a 48-hour post-intervention period, all rats underwent a forced swimming test, and their 24-hour running values were recorded on a rotary wheel [11]. The short-term stress intervention included one period of various stressors such as food deprivation, water deprivation, being in a wet cage, cage tilting, exposure to white noise and flasher, light-dark cycle mixing, and stress-free conditions [12].
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3. Results |
Short-term stress significantly increased the 24-hour running distance (P=0.01, F=8.77) (Figure 1), while pseudo-depressive behavior exhibited no significant difference (P=0.18, F=2.06) (Figure 2). There was also no significant correlation between running distance and pseudo-depressive behavior (P=0.13, r=0.45).
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The forced swimming test was conducted to assess levels of hopelessness and despair, as well as the effectiveness of antidepressant interventions. Each rat was placed in a cylindrical chamber filled with water, and immobility time was recorded as an indicator of depressive behavior [13, 14]. Data analysis was performed using mean and standard deviation, and the normal distribution of data was confirmed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Parametric statistical methods including one-way analysis of variance and repeated-measures analysis of variance were employed with a significance level of P<0.05. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between dependent variables. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24.
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Figure 1. Recorded 24-hour running wheel distance of rats in different research groups. Significant difference between short-term stress group and control.
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Figure 2. Immobility behavior of rats in different research groups. Significant difference between short-term stress group and control. |
4. Discussion |
The results of the study showed that short-term stress significantly increases the 24-hour running distance in rats. Rats exposed to short-term stress traveled a greater distance in 24 hours compared to control rats that did not experience stress. Furthermore, the study revealed that there is no significant relationship between the amount of running and depressive-like behavior in rats. This suggests that the increase in running distance due to stress is more likely caused by physiological changes rather than psychological behaviors such as pseudo-depression. Short-term stress can lead to increased running distance and motor activity through various mechanisms, including changes in stress hormone levels, nervous system activity, immune system response, and the production of neurodevelopmental factors [18-20]. |
Short-term stress significantly increased the 24-hour running distance in the study. The pseudo-depressive behavior exhibited by rats after stress induction did not show any significant difference. There was no significant relationship found between the amount of running and depressive-like behavior. Therefore, short-term stress induced an increase in activity in male Wistar rats that was not associated with depressive-like behavior. Stress is a psychological phenomenon that impacts the daily lives of both humans and animals [15]. It can occur in the short or long term and may be caused by various factors such as social, physical, or psychological pressures, and environmental changes. Numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of stress on animals in scientific research [16]. One area of interest is the impact of short-term stress on animal movements and behaviors [17].
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Funding This research was funded by Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch.
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Exercise and physical activity can also help reduce stress and relax the mind by releasing endorphins that improve mood and relieve pain and stress [21]. Overall, the current research indicates that short-term stress may influence animal physiological issues, such as locomotor activity. The effects of stress may vary depending on factors such as the type and duration of exposure to stress, as well as the physiological and psychological conditions of the animals [16]. Suggestions for future research include measuring indicators related to cognitive processes and conducting additional studies with variables such as oxidative stress levels, brain neurotrophins, and stress hormones.
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Compliance with ethical standards |
All ethical principles regarding working with laboratory animals were strictly adhered to in this study. The research also received approval from the ethics committee with the code number IR.IAU.CTB.REC.1401.093 from Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch.
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Author contributions
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Conceptualization: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Methodology: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Software: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Validation M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Formal analysis: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Investigation: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Resources: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Data curation: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Writing - original draft: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Writing - review & editing: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Visualization: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Supervision: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Project administration: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B ; Funding acquisition: M.P, S.R, Z.E, M.B .
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Conclusion
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This research aimed to investigate the effects of stress induction on rats and its impact on their running distance index. The results revealed that stress induction in rats led to an increase in their running distance within 24 hours. However, no significant correlation was found between the amount of running and pseudo-depression. It appears that the rise in motor activity due to stress is more closely linked to the physiological aspects of isolated animals rather than psychological factors such as pseudo-depression.
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Acknowledgements |
The authors would like to thank the staff of Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch for their support during the research process.
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References |
11. Poureskandar M, Rahmati S, Entezari Z, et al. (2023) Investigating the effect of long-term unpredictable mild stress on anxiety, passive avoidance memory, depression-like behavior, and running index of male Wistar rats %J Advances in Cognitive Sciences. 25: 73-89. 10.30514/icss.25.1.73. 12. Babaei A, Nourshahi M, Fani M, et al. (2021) The effectiveness of continuous and interval exercise preconditioning against chronic unpredictable stress: Involvement of hippocampal PGC-1α/FNDC5/BDNF pathway. Journal of psychiatric research 136: 173-183. 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.006. 13. Rahmati-Ahmadabad S, Azarbayjani MA, Broom DR, et al. (2021) Effects of high-intensity interval training and flaxseed oil supplement on learning, memory and immobility: relationship with BDNF and TrkB genes. Comparative Exercise Physiology 17: 273-284. https://doi.org/10.3920/CEP200046. 14. Entezari Z, Babaei A, Rahmati-Ahmadabad S (2020) Effect of Voluntary Exercise Training on Corticosterone Level and Immobility Behavior Induced by Chronic Stress in Rats. gums-cjns 6: 164-169. 10.32598/CJNS.6.22.6. 15. Hennessy MB, Willen RM, Schiml PA (2020) Psychological Stress, Its Reduction, and Long-Term Consequences: What Studies with Laboratory Animals Might Teach Us about Life in the Dog Shelter. 10: 2061. 16. Alexa AI, Zamfir CL, Bogdănici CM, et al. (2023) The Impact of Chronic Stress on Behavior and Body Mass in New Animal Models. Brain sciences 13: 10.3390/brainsci13101492. 17. Maggio N, Segal M. Chapter 8 - Stress, Corticosterone, and Hippocampal Plasticity. In: Fink G, editor. Stress: Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pathology: Academic Press; 2019. p. 93-104. 18. Dhabhar FS (2018) The short-term stress response - Mother nature's mechanism for enhancing protection and performance under conditions of threat, challenge, and opportunity. Frontiers in neuroendocrinology 49: 175-192. 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.03.004. 19. Nowacka-Chmielewska M, Grabowska K, Grabowski M, et al. (2022) Running from Stress: Neurobiological Mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Stress Resilience. Int J Mol Sci 23: 10.3390/ijms232113348. |
1.Yaribeygi H, Panahi Y, Sahraei H, et al. (2017) The impact of stress on body function: A review. EXCLI journal 16: 1057-1072. 10.17179/excli2017-480. 2 .Dhabhar FS (2018) The short-term stress response – Mother nature’s mechanism for enhancing protection and performance under conditions of threat, challenge, and opportunity. Frontiers in neuroendocrinology 49: 175-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.03.004. 3. Salleh MR (2008) Life event, stress and illness. The Malaysian journal of medical sciences : MJMS 15: 9-18. 4. Burtscher J, Niedermeier M, Hüfner K, et al. (2022) The interplay of hypoxic and mental stress: Implications for anxiety and depressive disorders. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 138: 104718. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104718. 5. Metz GAS, Schwab ME, Welzl H (2001) The effects of acute and chronic stress on motor and sensory performance in male Lewis rats. Physiology & Behavior 72: 29-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9384(00)00371-1. 6. Atrooz F, Alkadhi KA, Salim S (2021) Understanding stress: Insights from rodent models. Current research in neurobiology 2: 100013. 10.1016/j.crneur.2021.100013. 7. Clay AM, Carr RL, Dubien J, et al. (2022) Short-term behavioral and histological changes in a rodent model of mild traumatic brain injury. Biomedical Engineering Advances 4: 100061. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bea.2022.100061. 8. Pujo JM, Fitriani DY, Ben Saad H, et al. (2023) The effects of prolonged stress exposure on the brain of rats and insights to understand the impact of work-related stress on caregivers. Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience 17: 1288814. 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1288814. 9. Schettino M, Tarmati V, Castellano P, et al. (2024) Effects of acute stress on reward processing: A comprehensive meta-analysis of rodent and human studies. Neurobiology of Stress 100647. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100647. 10. Kumar A, Rinwa P, Kaur G, et al. (2013) Stress: Neurobiology, consequences and management. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences 5: 91-97. 10.4103/0975-7406.111818.
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20. Tong RL, Kahn UN, Grafe LA, et al. (2023) Stress circuitry: mechanisms behind nervous and immune system communication that influence behavior. 14: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1240783. 21. Anderson E, Shivakumar G (2013) Effects of exercise and physical activity on anxiety. Frontiers in psychiatry 4: 27. 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00027.
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