IKBFU Scientists Detected Stress-Related Brain Changes

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) alters the brain function of mice and prevents them from forming new nerve cells. Researchers at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University came to this conclusion following an experiment on laboratory animals with different genetic features.

Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur after experiencing traumatic events, such as those of a violent nature. PTSD is most often recorded in combat participants when a person is literally haunted by a critical situation from the past even in a calm and safe environment.

The reasons why some people are susceptible to PTSD and others are resistant to it, as well as the molecular and cellular changes that occur in the brain during PTSD have not yet been established, and the global scientific community is paying special attention to these topics.

Oksana Tuchina, head of the research group of the Synthetic Biology Laboratory at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University:
We investigated the development of PTSD in two groups of mice: wild mice and laboratory mice. It turned out that wild mice under simulated conditions were not susceptible to the disorder at all, while all laboratory mice exhibited anxious behavior.

Moreover, brain changes in response to PTSD were found only in laboratory mice. The probable reason for these differences is genetics. Laboratory (line) mice are crossed with each other for generations, which means that they are systematically closely related. As a result, they all share the same set of genes, unlike wild mice whose genotype is much richer. Therefore, the latter have developed protective mechanisms against prolonged stress, while the artificially bred rodents have no such system.

Prolonged stress causes this brain structure to produce excessive amounts of immune molecules (cytokines), which interfere with nerve cells' ability to function normally, then the disease can progress, she added.

The scientists also determined that the hippocampus of linear mice with PTSD alters the functioning of glia cells, which nourish neurons and provide immune defense. The scientists believe that impaired brain function in PTSD is due to malfunctioning glia. If the development of this mental condition depends on genome diversity and environmental conditions in rodents, it should be relevant to humans as well. However, comprehensive genetic studies are needed for an accurate determination.