【Animal Modeling】-Different Acute Stress Response Rat Models

  Objective: To compare the changes of stress-related indicators in three acute stress response animal models, and to explore the establishment of a relatively suitable acute stress response model.

  Method: 40 healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group (Ⅰ), tail docking group (Ⅱ), burn group (Ⅲ) and amputation group (Ⅳ), 10 rats in each group. The normal group was left untreated. The tail-dangling group was cut across the tail shaft near the tail end (between S3 and S4 spinal nerves). The burn group was made into a 30% body surface area III degree scald model, and the left lower limb amputation was regarded as the severe Traumatic stress. Enzyme-linked immunoassay was used to detect the levels of serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) in each group of rats, and immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression level of hypothalamic c-fos protein.

  Results: Compared with group I, the levels of ACTH and CORT in groups II, III, and IV increased (P<0.05), and the expression of c-fos protein increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with group Ⅲ, the levels of ACTH, CORT and c-fos protein expression were higher in groups Ⅱ and Ⅳ (P<0.05); there="" was="" no="" statistically="" significant="" difference="" in="" indicators="" between="" group="" ii="" and="" iv="" p="">0.05).

  Conclusion: The acute stress response model made by cutting the lower tail stem has the characteristics of simple operation steps, more consistent injury degree, and obvious stress effect. It can objectively reflect the stress response of human beings when encountering sudden accidents. Ideal way to model acute stress response.