Differential Effects of Psychogenic Stress on Bone Morphology and Metabolism in Wistar Rats

Psychogenic stress (PS) significantly contributes to the development of various pathological conditions, including psychiatric, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. Furthermore, PS has been shown to influence bone health. In this study, we aimed to elucidate PS effects on bone morphology and metabolism during distinct developmental periods in male Wistar rats.

PS was induced by combined restraint and water immersion stress for 3 hr per day over 4 weeks. In the end of the experiment, femora and tibiae were analyzed to determine bone length, cross-sectional area, and bone mass. Internal organ weights were also recorded. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activities were measured as markers of bone formation and resorption, respectively. Data were analyzed using the Student's ttest and Scheffé's multiple comparison test.

PS significantly reduced body and organ weights at all developmental stages, indicating systemic growth suppression. The degree of stress-induced alterations in bone metabolism differed depending on the developmental stage: PS during growth impaired bone formation and enhanced resorption.

Our findings demonstrate that PS exerts stage-specific effects on skeletal development and maintenance. The results highlight the importance of considering developmental stage in evaluating the impact of PS on bone health and suggest potential mechanisms linking chronic stress exposure to altered bone metabolism and increased risk of osteoporosis.