Synaptic Mitochondrial Respiration Differs Between the Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus in C57Bl/6NTac Mice
Gladys A Shaw1, Amy J Wegener1, Hannah Stadtler1
1Department of Neuroscience & Anatomy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 East Marshall Street, Box 980709, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
Molecular Neurobiology
|May 30, 2026
Summary
Chronic stress impacts female mice
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
- Mitochondrial Biology
Background:
- Chronic repeated predation stress (CRPS) can significantly affect brain function and behavior.
- Understanding the sex-specific impacts of stress on the brain, particularly during development, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CRPS on anxiety-like behavior and synaptic mitochondrial respiration in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HPC) of male and female mice.
- To explore potential underlying mechanisms, including the role of estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2).
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to CRPS during adolescent and early adult stages.
- Anxiety-like behavior was assessed using the open-field assay.
- Synaptic mitochondrial respiration was measured using Seahorse XF technology.
- Gene expression of ESR2 and UCP2 was analyzed.
Main Results:
- CRPS induced anxiety-like behavior in female mice but not in males.
- No significant effects of CRPS on mitochondrial respiration were observed in either sex.
- Mitochondrial respiration rates differed significantly between the PFC and HPC across both sexes.
- Hippocampal ESR2 expression was elevated by CRPS in both sexes, with higher baseline levels in females.
Conclusions:
- CRPS can induce anxiety-like behaviors in female mice, suggesting sex-specific stress responses.
- While CRPS did not alter mitochondrial respiration, regional differences in the PFC and HPC were evident.
- Elevated hippocampal ESR2 expression following CRPS may play a protective role in synaptic mitochondria.
