Ivonne Soeliono, Lannie Hadisoewignyo, Ika Puspitasari, Andayana Puspitasari Gani, Yudy Tjahjono, Gladdy L. Waworuntu, Britney Chelsea Brigitta Mandagie, I. Made Agus Permana Putra, Gracelia Suhandri, Detika Aksamina Jumina Tulimau, Ignatia Putri Febriana Yulianto, Fitria Nuraini, Rachmadani Sya'adillah, Dyana Linggar Swari
The antidepressant effect of drugs can be tested using various methods, including unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). Although the initial UCMS protocol involved administering stressors for 21 days, many modifications have been made, one of which is shortening the duration of the stressors to 10-15 days. This study aims to modify the UCMS model to increase the stress response in male Wistar rats. This study replaced predator odor (2,5-dihydro-2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline) as in the previous protocol with a psychological stress device (PSD). Forty male Wistar rats (150-200 grams) were given UCMS treatment for 10 and 15 days. Sucrose consumption, coat score, body weight, and serum corticosterone levels were measured. Immunohistochemical examination of 5-HT1A receptors, TNF-α, NOX2, and NF-ĸB was performed in the hippocampus part of the brain. All data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Spearman’s correlation test. UCMS treatment for 10 and 15 days reduced sucrose consumption and body weight and increased the coat score. UCMS treatment elevated corticosterone levels in plasma, reduced 5-HT1A receptor expression in the hippocampus, and increased TNF-α, NOX2, and NF-ĸB expression. The primary behavioral response during PSD was head dip as a preparatory behavior for jumping. Modifying the UCMS model using a PSD can increase stress response. Copyright © 2025 by Indonesian Journal of Pharmacy (IJP).
Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jalan Raya Kalisari Selatan No. 1, Pakuwon City, East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Skip Utara, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia; Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Skip Utara, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia; Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University, Faculty of Medicine, Jalan Raya Kalisari Selatan No. 1, Pakuwon City, East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia