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Sexual Differences in Behavior Patterns and Hormonal Balance under Normal and Mild Stress Conditions in Inbred Wistar
M V Kondashevskaya1, V V Aleksankina2, K A Artem'eva2
1Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, Petrovsky National Research Center of Surgery, Moscow, Russia. marivladiko@mail.ru.
Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
|November 4, 2025
Summary
Female Wistar rats exhibit higher baseline corticosterone and leptin levels, along with increased anxiety and activity. Stress elevates these hormones in both sexes, suggesting leptin and corticosterone modulate stress responses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Sex differences in stress response are well-documented but underlying mechanisms require further elucidation.
- Hormonal profiles, including corticosterone and leptin, vary between sexes and may influence behavior.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for developing targeted stress management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-specific differences in behavioral and hormonal responses to stress in Wistar rats.
- To explore the correlation between leptin, corticosterone, sex hormones, and behavioral parameters.
- To hypothesize the role of leptin and corticosterone in adaptive stress behavior.
Main Methods:
- Inbred Wistar rats (male and female) were subjected to normal conditions and a single mild stressor.
- Blood samples were analyzed for corticosterone, leptin, testosterone, and estradiol levels.
- Behavioral assessments included locomotor activity and defense reactions in an elevated plus maze.
Main Results:
- Intact females showed higher baseline blood corticosterone and leptin than males.
- Females exhibited greater locomotor activity and active defense reactions, with fewer passive defense reactions.
- Stress increased corticosterone and leptin in both sexes, while decreasing sex hormones.
- Leptin and corticosterone positively correlated with anxiety, activity, and active defense, and negatively with testosterone and estradiol.
Conclusions:
- Leptin and corticosterone levels are higher in female rats and correlate with anxiety-like behaviors and activity.
- Stress significantly impacts hormonal profiles and behavior in a sex-dependent manner.
- A novel hypothesis suggests leptin, alongside corticosterone, plays a role in organizing adaptive behavior during stress.
