Exposure to the predator odor TMT induces early and late differential gene expression related to stress and excitatory synaptic function throughout the brain in male rats.

ABSTRACT: Persistent changes in brain stress and glutamatergic function are associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rodent exposure to the predator odor trimethylthiazoline (TMT) is an innate stressor that produces lasting behavioral consequences relevant to PTSD. As such, the goal of the present study was to assess early (6 hours and 2 days-Experiment 1) and late (4 weeks-Experiment 2) changes to gene expression (RT-PCR) related to stress and excitatory function following TMT exposure in male, Long-Evans rats. During TMT exposure, rats engaged in stress reactive behaviors, including digging and immobility. Further, the TMT group displayed enhanced exploration and mobility in the TMT-paired context 1 week after exposure, suggesting a lasting contextual reactivity. Gene expression anal

SUBMITTER: Tyler RE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7655719 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature