The Possible Role of Exercise in alleviating the effect of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress on the Adrenal Cortex in Adult Male Albino Rats: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Chronic stress is a major predisposing contributor to the onset of depression, characterized by persistent low mood, cognitive impairments, and potential for self-harm. Voluntary exercise like wheel-based activity device, offers numerous benefits for mental health that contribute to the alleviation of depressive symptoms.Aim of the Work: Our research determined the impact of CUMS on the adrenal cortex of adult male Wistar rats and analyzed the potential protective impact of voluntary physical exercise in mitigating these effects.Material and Methods: Forty adult male Wistar albino rats were distributed randomly into four groups (GPs): GP I (Control), GP II (Exercise), in which animals had unrestricted entry to a voluntary wheel-based activity device in their home cages for four weeks; GP III (CUMS), subjected to CUMS for four weeks; and GP IV (CUMS + Exercise), which underwent the same CUMS protocol while also having unrestricted access to a voluntary wheel-based activity device for four weeks. At the conclusion of the experimental period, following behavioral assessment using the TST and hormonal evaluation, adrenal glands were harvested for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Parameters measured included the mean value of adrenal cortical thickness and its distinct zones, the proportional area of caspase-3 immunoreactivity, and the mean OD of NF-κB expression. These data were subsequently subjected to statistical analysis across the different experimental GPs.Results: CUMS significantly increased immobility in TST, elevated plasma corticosterone levels, and elicited structural and immunohistochemical changes within the adrenal cortex. Elevated levels of apoptotic (Caspase-3) and inflammatory markers (NF-κB) were detected. Conversely, voluntary exercise (running wheel) significantly attenuated the behavioral, hormonal, and histological alterations induced by CUMS.Conclusion: These findings highlighted the putative therapeutic benefits of voluntary exercise in mitigating stress-mediated dysregulation of the adrenal cortex and associated pathologies.
Language: English
Subfield: Behavioral Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222874985