Repeated social defeat stress inhibits development of hippocampus neurons through mitophagy and autophagy

The social defeat stress model is commonly used to study depression and anxiety disorder, which can significantly affect the structure and function of neurons in the hippocampus; however, the relevant mechanism in neuronal loss has not been clearly defined. In the present study, a social defeat stress model was established in mice to evaluate the impact of social defeat stress on the structure of neurons in the hippocampus using Western blotting, immunofluorescence, Nissl staining, Golgi staining and transmission electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that social defeat stress leads to disruption of homeostasis in the hippocampus and the integrity of mitochondria in hippocampal neurons was markedly affected by enhanced mitophagy and autophagy resulting in inhibition of development and growth. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of neuronal development and growth due to social defeat stress, which should help in the development of new strategies to combat the effects of depression and anxiety disorder.

Automated summary

The social defeat stress model is commonly used to study depression and anxiety disorder, but the mechanism of neuronal loss is still unclear. In this study, a social defeat stress model was established in mice, and the impact on the structure of hippocampal neurons was evaluated using various techniques. The results showed that social defeat stress disrupts homeostasis in the hippocampus and affects the integrity of mitochondria, resulting in inhibited neuronal development and growth. These findings provide important insights into the mechanisms of neuronal development and the development of new strategies to combat depression and anxiety disorder.