Environmental Enrichment Ameliorates Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rats without Altering Plasma Corticosterone Level

Muthmainah Muthmainah; Winda Atika  Sari; Nanang  Wiyono; Dhoni Akbar Ghazali; Ratih Dewi Yudhani; Brian Wasita

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2021.6396

Authors

Muthmainah Muthmainah Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
Winda Atika Sari Study Program in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
Nanang Wiyono Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
Dhoni Akbar Ghazali Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia
Ratih Dewi Yudhani Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6781-8251
Brian Wasita Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Sebelas Maret, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021.6396

Keywords:

Environmental enrichment, Anxiety, Stress, Corticosterone, Rats

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorder is one of the most common psychiatric problems. Prolonged stress gives rise to anxiety-like behavior in animals. Environmental interventions influence the outcome of anxiety treatment. Environmental enrichment (EE) can modulate brain’s structure and function.

AIM: The objective of the study was to evaluate EE effects on anxiety-like behavior and corticosterone (CORT) level after unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS).

METHODS: A total of 28 rats were assigned into four groups randomly: Control, UCMS, UCMS+EE, and UCMS+fluoxetine. UCMS, EE, and fluoxetine were given for 21 days. Anxiety behavior was measured on day 22^ndusing Elevated Plus Maze. Behavioral measurement was based on the total time spent and total entries onto open and closed arms. CORT was measured using ELISA.

RESULTS: UCMS increased anxiety-like behavior as seen from reduced number of entries and time spent in open arms as well as increased number of entries and time spent in in closed arms in UCMS group than control. Rats in EE group spent more time and made more entries in the open arms than UCMS group (both p = 0.002). Anxiolytic effect of EE was stronger than fluoxetine. Plasma CORT level among groups did not differ significantly (p = 0.351).

CONCLUSION: EE can ameliorate stress-induced anxiety-like behavior without affecting CORT level.

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References

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