The involvement of ERK/CREB/Bcl-2 in depression-like behavior in prenatally stressed offspring rats

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Prenatal stress (PS) is linked to increased depression vulnerability in offspring.
• The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) pathway is implicated in depression.
• Understanding PS effects on offspring neurobiology is crucial for developing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of prenatal restraint stress on depression-like behavior in juvenile rats.
• To examine the expression of ERK2, CREB, and Bcl-2 mRNA in key brain regions following PS exposure.
• To explore the role of the ERK-CREB pathway and NMDA receptors in mediating PS-induced behavioral changes.

Main Methods:

• Prenatal restraint stress was applied to Sprague-Dawley rats.
• Depression-like behavior was assessed using the forced swimming test in one-month-old offspring.
• Expression levels of ERK2, CREB, and Bcl-2 mRNA were quantified in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum.
• The effects of MK-801, an NMDA receptor antagonist, were evaluated.

Main Results:

• PS significantly increased immobility time, indicating depression-like behavior.
• PS decreased ERK2, CREB, and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
• These PS-induced changes were partially reversed by MK-801 treatment.
• CREB expression in the hippocampus of male offspring was an exception, showing no significant decrease.

Conclusions:

• The ERK-CREB signaling pathway is implicated in the development of depression-like behaviors following prenatal stress.
• NMDA receptors may play a role in mediating the neurobiological effects of prenatal stress.
• These findings highlight potential therapeutic targets for addressing depression linked to prenatal stress exposure.