Glucocorticoid dynamics predict susceptibility and resilience to traumatic stress in male and female rats

Introduction

The mammalian stress response relies on tightly regulated HPA axis signaling, and disruptions in glucocorticoid feedback are implicated in stress-related disorders such as PTSD. Although many individuals experience trauma, only some develop pathology, suggesting that individual differences in glucocorticoid responsivity may help predict susceptibility or resilience. Here, we examined whether corticosterone (CORT) responses to a mild stressor predict behavioral outcomes following single-prolonged stress (SPS) in male and female rats.