Repeated exposure with short-term behavioral stress resolves pre-existing stress-induced depressive-like behavior in mice

ABSTRACT: Chronic stress induces adaptive changes in the brain via the cumulative action of glucocorticoids, which is associated with mood disorders. Here we show that repeated daily five-minute restraint resolves pre-existing stress-induced depressive-like behavior in mice. Repeated injection of glucocorticoids in low doses mimics the anti-depressive effects of short-term stress. Repeated exposure to short-term stress and injection of glucocorticoids activate neurons in largely overlapping regions of the brain, as shown by c-Fos staining, and reverse distinct stress-induced gene expression profiles. Chemogenetic inhibition of neurons in the prelimbic cortex projecting to the nucleus accumbens, basolateral amygdala, or bed nucleus of the stria terminalis results in anti-depressive effects similarly to short-term stress exposure, while only inhibition of neurons in the prelimbic cortex projecting to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis rescues glucocorticoid release. In summary, we show that short-term stress can reverse adaptively altered stress gains and resolve stress-induced depressive-like behavior.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE183624 | GEO | 2021/09/09

REPOSITORIES: GEO