A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF RESTRAINT STRESS ON ANTIOXIDANTS STATUS IN RATS

ABSTRACT: Stress exerts detrimental effects on several cellular functions through impairment of antioxidant defences, leading to oxidative damage and onset of many cardiovascular and neurological diseases. The restraint stress or immobilization stress is widely accepted model to induce emotional stress and the deleterious effect of restraint stress on the biological system is well documented. The precise molecular and cellular events induced by restraint stress needs to be evaluated.

Aim: To determine the effect of sub-acute restraint stress on antioxidant status in rats.

Methodology:  Adult male Wistar albino rats weighing about 180-200g were taken for the study and was divided into two groups – Control group (n=6) and Sub-acute restraint stress group (n=6). Restraint stress were given in wire mesh restrainers for 15 days (6 hrs/ day), the blood from the jugular vein was collected for estimation of antioxidant status (SOD, GPx, CAT, Vit C and Vit E) in rats.

Results: After 15 days of restraint stress, there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in LPO in restraint stress when compared with their control group. In enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants like SOD, CAT, GPx, Vit C and Vit E was significantly (P<0.05) decrease in restraint stress compared to control group.

Conclusion: The exposure to repeated stress induces oxidative stress. These alterations may contribute to the deleterious effects observed after restraint stress.