Abstract
Introduction: Physical inactivity has been identified as a major risk factor for global mortality, causing approximately 2 million deaths globally, whereas the physical activity of moderate intensity has significant benefits for health. Exposure to stress results in changes in the endocrine and autonomic nervous systems, as well as behavioral changes which allow an organism to adapt to environmental changes. This study aimed to assess changes in cortisol levels and body temperature in rats after forced swim tests.
 Methods: Female Wistar rats were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 10; not subjected to a forced swim test) and an experimental group (n = 10; subjected to a forced swim test). The forced swim test (60-90 min) was given to the experimental group for 21 days. Body temperature was measured rectally every day, and blood was taken from the animals on the 1st, 7th, 14th, and 21st days of the experiment to determine cortisol levels using a Mouse/Rat Cortisol ELISA protocol.
 Results: The results showed a statistically significant difference in the cortisol level between the groups on day 21 (p < 0.05). We found a significant reduction in the recurrent temperature after exposure to physical stress.
 Conclusions: Regular aerobic activity at a submaximal level for 21 days can reduce the hormonal stress response in female Wistar rats.
Highlights
Physical inactivity has been identified as a major risk factor for global mortality, causing approximately 2 million deaths globally, whereas the physical activity of moderate intensity has significant benefits for health
Cortisol level are regulated by the HPA axis from neuroendocrine feedback, a circuit could be activated by physiological stimuli such as stress, illness, depression, and Cushing’s syndrome, or by exercise 5
Measuring the HPA axis activity via the plasma cortisol level is a useful method for evaluating the effects of stress on animals because it is stimulated by the onset of perceived stress 7
Summary
Physical inactivity has been identified as a major risk factor for global mortality, causing approximately 2 million deaths globally, whereas the physical activity of moderate intensity has significant benefits for health. This study aimed to assess changes in cortisol levels and body temperature in rats after forced swim tests. For evaluation of stress hormones in experimental studies, the most frequently used subjects have been rats since they are very sensitive to stress 1. Cortisol level are regulated by the HPA axis from neuroendocrine feedback, a circuit could be activated by physiological stimuli such as stress, illness, depression, and Cushing’s syndrome, or by exercise 5. Measuring the HPA axis activity via the plasma cortisol level is a useful method for evaluating the effects of stress on animals because it is stimulated by the onset of perceived stress 7. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of regular aerobic physical activity on cortisol levels of female white laboratory (Wistar) rats for 21 days
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
