Suppression of stress-induced nNOS expression in the rat hypothalamus by biting.
J Dent Res
; 84(7): 624-8, 2005 Jul.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15972590
ABSTRACT
Nitric oxide (.NO) modulates the activity of the endocrine system in the behavioral response to stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of restraining the body of an animal on expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, and the inhibitory effect of para-masticatory activity on restraint-induced nNOS expression. We observed an increase in nNOS mRNA expression and nNOS-positive neurons in the rat hypothalamus after 30 or 60 min of restraint. Biting on a wooden stick during bodily restraint decreased nNOS mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. In addition, the number of nNOS-positive neurons was significantly reduced in the PVN of the hypothalamus. These observations clearly suggest a possible anti-stress effect of the masticatory activity of biting, and this mechanism might be unconsciously in operation during exposure to psychological stressors.
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Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Núcleo Hipotalâmico Paraventricular
/
Estresse Psicológico
/
Comportamento Animal
/
Mordeduras e Picadas
/
Óxido Nítrico Sintase
/
Mastigação
/
Proteínas do Tecido Nervoso
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2005
Tipo de documento:
Article