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A Mouse Model of Subchronic and Mild Social Defeat Stress for Understanding Stress-induced Behavioral and Physiological Deficits
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Visual stimulation-induced mild stress enhances cognitive behavior in cynomolgus monkey
Dong Ho Woo1, Eun Ha Koh2, Seung-Hyuk Shin3
1Animal Model Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, KRICT, Jeongeup, Republic of Korea.
Scientific Reports
|March 2, 2018
Summary
Mild stress increases blood cortisol levels in non-human primates (NHP), enhancing cognitive function. This suggests cortisol may boost cognition, contrary to its role as solely a stress indicator.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Primate Cognition
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cortisol, an endogenous glucocorticoid, is recognized as a stress indicator crucial for survival.
- The relationship between cortisol and cognitive processes under physiological conditions in higher-order primates remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between mild stress-induced cortisol level increases and cognitive function in cynomolgus monkeys.
- To determine if cortisol influences cognitive processes in non-human primates (NHP).
Main Methods:
- Three groups of cynomolgus monkeys were stimulated with visual stimuli (monkey pictures, human pictures, animation stills).
- Blood cortisol levels were measured during and after stimulation sessions.
- Cognitive function was assessed by observing manipulation behaviors.
Main Results:
- Visual stimulation significantly increased blood cortisol levels, which returned to normal post-stimulation.
- Monkeys viewing monkey pictures exhibited the most significant cortisol increase.
- Enhanced manipulation behavior was observed, indicating improved cognitive function.
Conclusions:
- Visual stimulation elevates blood cortisol levels and enhances cognitive performance in non-human primates.
- A mild increase in cortisol may enhance cognition in NHP, challenging the traditional view of cortisol solely as a stress indicator.
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