Long-term spaceflight composite stress induces depressive behaviors in model rats through disrupting hippocampus...

Long-term spaceflight composite stress (LSCS) can cause adverse effects on human systems, including the central nervous system, which could trigger anxiety and depression.

This study aimed to identify changes in hippocampus synaptic plasticity under LSCS.

The present study simulated the real long-term space station environment by conducting a 42-day experiment that involved simulating microgravity, isolation, noise, circadian rhythm disruptions, and low pressure. The mood and behavior of the rats were assessed by behavior test. Transmission electron microscopy and patch-clamp were used to detect the changes in synapse morphology and electrophysiology, and finally, the expression of NMDA receptor channel proteins was detected by western blotting.

The results showed that significant weight loss, anxiety, and depressive behaviors in rats were observed after being exposed to LSCS environment for 42 days. The synaptic structure was severely damaged, manifested as an obvious decrease in postsynaptic density thickness and synaptic interface curvature (p < 0.05; p < 0.05, respectively). Meanwhile, LTP was significantly impaired (p < 0.0001), and currents in the NMDAR channel were also significantly reduced (p < 0.0001). Further analysis found that LSCS decreased the expression of two key subtype proteins on this channel.

These results suggested that LSCS-induced depressive behaviors by impairing synaptic plasticity in rat hippocampus.