Russian scientists have discovered changes in the brain that occur during stress.
Scientists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University studied the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, on the brain function of mice. Stress leads to death and prevents the formation of new nerve cells.
PTSD itself can arise as a result of traumatic events experienced, including wars and violence, and this syndrome is often seen in the military. Fighters with PTSD constantly go through traumatic experiences even in times of peace, unable to recognize and let go.
The development of post-traumatic syndrome was studied in two groups of mice: wild and laboratory. It turned out that wild mice are less prone to the syndrome, they are not prone to disorders in conditions where laboratory mice are stressed.
Changes in the brain were only found in a group of laboratory mice, possibly due to genetics – line mice are often crossed with each other and closely related relationships occur. In the diversity of genes are the high protective mechanisms of wild rodents.
Times of frequent social contact and physical activity are also important, which is much less the case in laboratory animals. It affects brain development and resistance to stress.
The BFU separately studied the effect of PTSD on the hippocampus, where neurogenesis occurs and where this part of the brain is responsible for memory. Stress affects the hippocampus, it produces many immune cells that interfere with the work of neurons and slow down the formation of new ones.
Brain glial cells also undergo changes under the effect of stress; they no longer nourish and no longer protect the neurons properly, which disrupts the functioning of the brain. Thus, scientists were able to highlight possible treatment options for PTSD, affecting the hippocampus and glial cells, you can reduce the effects of stress.
Researchers plan to continue their work and formulate a drug to help people with PTSD, reports RIA News .
