CRANIAL ELECTROTHERAPY STIMULATION MODULATES STRESS-INDUCED C-FOS EXPRESSION IN RAT PERIPHERAL BLOOD MONONUCLEAR CELLS

Abstract

Aim. In our article, we studied the possibility of remodeling of stress-induced c-fos expression damages in rat peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) by cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES-therapy). Materials and methods. As a model of combined stress, the present study used a forced swimming test and orthostatic stress. For the assessment of individual stress resistance, a forced swimming test was used. Evaluation of the c-fos gene expression level in PBMNC was carried out by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Leukocyte expression of c-fos is a recognized and unique peripheral biomarker of the psychogenic and somatic stress. Results. The use of CES-therapy was followed by a decrease (p=0,04) in the expression of the c-fos gene in PBMNC (0,6 as the median of treatment group vs 1,8 as median of control group). Conclusion. These results reflect the stress-limiting effect of this treatment method and correlate with the findings of previous experimental and clinical studies.

Keywords

• c-fos
• mononuclear leukocytes
• forced swimming test
• orthostatic stress
• ces-therapy