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Horm Metab Res 2006; 38(12): 799-802
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-956181
Original Basic

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Prolonged Effect of Stress at Weaning on the Brain Serotonin Metabolism and Sexuality of Female Rats

K. Tekes 1 , M. Hantos 2 , M. Gyenge 1 , Cs. Karabélyos 4 , G. Csaba 3
  • 1Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
  • 2University Pharmacy and Department of Pharmacy Administration, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
  • 3Department of Genetics, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
  • 4Biotest Hungaria Ltd, Budapest, Hungary
Further Information

Publication History

Received 27 March 2006

Accepted after second revision 13 September 2006

Publication Date:
12 December 2006 (online)

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Abstract

Weanling female rats were stressed (by water and food deprivation for two days) and three months later the following indexes were studied: 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels in five brain regions, blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), sexual activity and nocistatin level of the plasma and CSF. The 5-HIAA content of hypothalamus and brainstem was significantly decreased (in the brainstem with one third) and in the striatum significantly increased. Plasma nocistatin level was significantly increased. Meyerson index and lordosis quotient were similar to control, but the estrus frequency almost doubled in the stressed animals. Much more defense reactions were observed in the stressed females during trials of mating. The results demonstrate that, 1) the perinatal period is not only sensitive to the remote-effects of stress but later could also be stress-sensitive critical periods, and 2) the continuously differentiating (e.g. bone marrow) cells are sensitive to late imprinting by stress, as well as to the brain and the sexual system.

Key words

Water and food deprivation - weaning - 5-HT - 5-HIAA - brain serotonin - nocistatin

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Correspondence

György CsabaM.D., Ph.D., D.Sc. 

Professor Emeritus·Department of Genetics

Cell and Immunobiology

Semmelweis University

1445, POB 370

Budapest

Hungary

Phone: +36/1/210 29 50

Fax: +36/1/210 29 50

Email: csagyor@dgci.sote.hu

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