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Occlusal Disharmony-A Potential Factor Promoting Depression in a Rat Model
Sihui Zhang1,2, Ling Wu1, Mi Zhang1
1School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350004, China.
Brain Sciences
|June 24, 2022
Summary
Occlusal disharmony (OD) in rats induced depression-like behaviors by affecting the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and serotonin system. These findings suggest OD is a risk factor for depression.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Occlusal disharmony (OD) is potentially linked to depression.
- The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and serotonin (5-HT) system are crucial in emotional regulation and depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if OD impacts the HPA axis and 5-HT system.
- To determine if OD leads to depression-like behaviors in rats.
Main Methods:
- Occlusal disharmony was surgically induced in Sprague-Dawley rats.
- Rats were subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) or combined OD and CUS.
- Behavioral, endocrine, and brain histological analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Occlusal disharmony significantly decreased sucrose preference, indicating depression-like behavior.
- ACTH and corticosterone (CORT) levels were elevated in OD + CUS rats.
- Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and 5-HT2A receptor (5HT2AR) expression increased in the PFC, amygdala, and hippocampus.
Conclusions:
- OD promotes depression-like behaviors.
- The HPA axis, GR, and 5-HT system are involved in OD-induced depression.
- OD may act through both peripheral and central mechanisms to affect mood.
