Source Paper
Chronic Stress Induces Contrasting Patterns of Dendritic Remodeling in Hippocampal and Amygdaloid Neurons
Ajai Vyas, Rupshi Mitra, B. S. Shankaranarayana Rao, Sumantra Chattarji
Journal of Neuroscience • 2002
View Abstract
The hippocampus and the amygdala are essential components of the neural circuitry mediating stress responses. The hippocampus, which provides negative feedback regulation of the stress response, is particularly vulnerable to degenerative changes caused by chronic stress. Unlike the hippocampus, relatively little is known about how stress affects the amygdala and the nature of its role in the stress response. Hence, we examined the effects of two different models of chronic stress on hippocampal and amygdaloid neuronal morphology in rats. In agreement with previous reports, chronic immobilization stress (CIS) induced dendritic atrophy and debranching in CA3 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus. In striking contrast, pyramidal and stellate neurons in the basolateral complex of the amygdala exhibited enhanced dendritic arborization in response to the same CIS. Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS), however, had little effect on CA3 pyramidal neurons and induced atrophy only in BLA bipolar neurons. These results indicate that chronic stress can cause contrasting patterns of dendritic remodeling in neurons of the amygdala and hippocampus. Moreover, CIS, but not CUS, reduced open-arm activity in the elevated plus-maze. These findings raise the possibility that certain forms of chronic stress, by affecting specific neuronal elements in the amygdala, may lead to behavioral manifestations of enhanced emotionality. Thus, stress-induced structural plasticity in amygdala neurons may provide a candidate cellular substrate for affective disorders triggered by chronic stress.
Elevated Plus-Maze
Objective: Assessment of anxiety-like behavior through measurement of open-arm activity in the elevated plus-maze following chronic stress
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Protocol Steps
Chronic Immobilization Stress (CIS) or Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS) Application
Rats were subjected to either chronic immobilization stress (CIS) or chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) as part of the experimental design
Note: Two different models of chronic stress were examined in this study
View evidence from paper
“we examined the effects of two different models of chronic stress on hippocampal and amygdaloid neuronal morphology in rats”
Elevated Plus-Maze Testing
Following chronic stress exposure, rats were tested in the elevated plus-maze to assess anxiety-like behavior by measuring open-arm activity
Note: CIS reduced open-arm activity while CUS had minimal effect on this measure
View evidence from paper
“CIS, but not CUS, reduced open-arm activity in the elevated plus-maze”
