Evaluation of β-Estradiol's effect after post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) induction by modified single-prolonged stress model in male rat

Mirshekar Mahdi, Abrari Kataneh, Rashidy-pour Ali, Goudarzi, Iran ,
Journal of Gorgan University of Medical Science - , , January, 2012 - - .
Publication year: 2012
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Article abstract:
Background and Objective: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety, which is induced by exposure to life-threatening trauma and produces memory dysfunctions. This study was done to evaluate the effect of β-estradiol on traumatic memory after post-traumatic stress disorder induced by modified single-prolonged stress model in male Rats. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was done on 70 male Wistar Rats, weighted 200-250 grams. Initially 30 Rats randomly allocated into control, shock and single prolonged stress accompanied shock (SPS&S). In SPS&S group immobilized for 2h, followed immediately with a 20 min forced swim conducted in a cylindrical filled with water. After recupeRating for 15 min, animals anesthetized with ether. After 30 min recovery, stressed Rats placed in the conditioned fear system (CFS). They received one 1mA, 4 second electric foot shock and remained in the chamber for another 60 second before being returned to their home cages. Shock group: Animals placed in CFS and only received the same shock as previous experiment. Naive group: Animals were removed from their home cages and exposed to chamber without receiving any foot shock. 1, 2 and 3 week later, animals in all groups were re-exposed to the shock chamber for 3 min, in order to examine conditioned fear response. In the second experiment Rats were injected with β-estradiol (90 µg/kg), one and two week after training. Date were analyzed using SPSS-16, ANOVA and LSD tests. Results: SPS&S significantly induced freezing response (traumatic memory) compared with controls and shock groups (P<0.05) following three weeks. This response significantly reduced due to repetitive injection of β-estradiol in Rats (P<0.05). After three weeks causes of enhanced freezing response (traumatic memory) compare with both, shock and sham groups (P<0.001). β-estradiol significantly reduced this response in Rats (P<0.001). Conclusion: β-estradiol’s administRation following PTSD induction by modified single-prolonged stress, significantly decreased the freezing response. Therefore, β-estradiol can prevent the formation of traumatic memory.