Gonadotropin levels reduced in seven days immobilization stress-induced depressive-like behavior in female rats

Abstract

Reproduction is one of the physiological functions that are often negatively affected by chronic stress. We aimed to examine effects of two distinct 7-day chronic immobilization stress (IMO) models on gonadotropins levels and depression-like behaviors in female rats. Adult Wistar albino female rats were divided into three groups as follows (n=7 for each group): control, IMO-1 (45min daily for 7-day) and IMO-2 (45min twice a day for 7-day). Neuropsychiatric behaviors were determined by using forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT). Gonadotropins were analyzed using ELISA tests. In FST, swimming was lower, and immobility was higher in the IMO-1 group and IMO--2 group. Climbing score of the IMO-2 group was higher compared to the control group. In OFT, there was no significant alteration in the mean velocity, total distance, duration of time spent in the central area and duration of latency in the central area between the stress groups and the control group. Final body weight and percentage of body weight change were lower in both stress groups. The follicle-stimulating hormone level was lower only in the IMO-2 group, and the luteinizing hormone concentrations were significantly lower in the IMO-1 group and IMO-2 group. Our results indicated that depression-like behaviors increased, and gonadotropins decreased in the female rats exposed to 7-day chronic IMO.