Inflammatory activation and myelin alterations in the hippocampus of post-traumatic stress disorder rats

Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2024 12 v.59 2135-2141     font:big middle small

Found programs: National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32260208)

Authors:Yang Luodong; Shi Yan; Zhang Ziwei; Li Bin; Zhang Guiqing

Keywords:post-traumatic stress disorder;hippocampus;NLRP3;myelin;neurons;microglia

DOI:10.19405/j.cnki.issn1000-1492.2024.12.010

〔Abstract〕 Objective To investigate the alterations in hippocampal neurons,nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) inflammasome,microglia,and myelin in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).Methods A PTSD rat model was established using the single prolonged stress(SPS) paradigm.Anxiety and cognitive functions were evaluated through the open field test,elevated plus maze,and Morris water maze.Histopathological changes in hippocampal neurons were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.The expression levels of NLRP3 and iba-1(a microglial marker) in the hippocampus were examined using immunofluorescence staining.Immunohistochemical staining and Luxol Fast Blue staining were performed to investigate alterations in hippocampal myelin.Results Hippocampal neurons in PTSD rats exhibited damage,with increased activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and microglia,and elevated myelin content.Conclusion The pathogenesis of PTSD may be associated with hippocampal neuronal damage,inflammatory responses,and changes in myelin.