Voluntary exercise or systemic propranolol ameliorates stress-related maladaptive behaviors in female rats

Publication date: Available online 16 October 2018Source: Physiology & BehaviorAuthor(s): Siobhan Robinson, Christa C. Christ, Margaret M. Cahill, Sara J. Aldrich, Elisa Taylor-YeremeevaAbstractMany people will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, with up to 20% developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or PTSD-like symptoms. In addition, the likelihood that females will develop PTSD after trauma is more than twice that of males. Despite its prevalence, current treatment strategies for trauma victims are limited and substantial portions of affected individuals remain resistant to treatment suggesting that additional interventions are necessary. Using an animal model of traumatic stress, the present studies tested the hypothesis that either voluntary exercise and/or administration of the adrenergic beta-receptor antagonist propranolol, would ameliorate stress-related maladaptive behaviors. In Study 1 four groups of female rats were exposed to a sequence of stressors that included anesthesia, restraint, forced swim, exposure to predator scent and fear conditioning. Rats then underwent re-exposure sessions in which stress-related conditioned stimuli were presented. In addition to re-exposure, stressed rats were treated with propranolol (10 mg/kg) and/or given the opportunity to engage in voluntary wheel running intermittently for 4 weeks. Stress-associated maladaptive behavior was assessed using the elevated plus and open field mazes and fear mem...

Source: Physiology and Behavior - October 16, 2018 Category: Physiology Source Type: research