Exploring the Potential Role of Nf-Kb Signaling Cascade in Stress Adaptation

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the role of NF-kB signaling in stress adaptation during exposure of repeated immobilization stress of varying duration in mice. Animals were subjected to two paradigms of immobilization stress i.e., short duration (30 minutes) or long duration (120 minutes). Mice were subjected to homotypic stressor for 5 days to induce stress adaptation. Actophotometer, open field, social interaction and hole board tests were performed to assess stress-associated alteration in behavior; while serum corticosterone levels were measured as a biochemical parameter of stress induction. The levels of p-NF-kB were assessed in stress sensitive prefrontal cortex region. A single episode of short as well as long immobilization stress resulted in changes in behavior, increased plasma corticosterone levels and p-NF-kB levels in prefrontal cortex. In contrast, continuous exposure to short as well as long stress restored behavior, corticosterone and p-NF-kB levels. Treatment with diethyldithiocarbamic acid (DDTC), a selective NF-kB inhibitor, attenuated acute stress associated changes in behavior and corticosterone levels. Moreover, DDTC restored the NF-kB levels in stress subjected mice. It suggests that acute stress may increase the levels of p-NF-kB in the prefrontal cortex may be responsible for the induction of behavioral and biochemical changes. Therefore, NF-kB may serve as an important target in inducing stress adaptation in immobilization stress. Copyright: �2021 Bali A, et al..