NeuroSci
Subchronic Sleep Fragmentation Induces Endocrine Alterations and Depression-like Behavior in Male Rats
By Grubač Z, Ezgin N, Šutulović N and 9 others.
Abstract
Background
Sleep fragmentation, a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), has been linked to mood disorders through disrupted neuroendocrine regulation. However, the time-dependent development of depression-like behaviors and hormonal changes following recurrent sleep fragmentation remains unclear. This study examined the effects of repeated experimental sleep fragmentation on depression-like behavior and endocrine status in male Wistar rats.
Methods
Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (n = 8 per group): treadmill control (TC; stationary treadmill), activity control (AC; 10-min running/30-min resting cycles), and sleep fragmentation (SF; 30-s running/90-s resting cycles). Treatments were applied daily for 14 consecutive days during the first 6 h of the light phase. Depression-like behavior was assessed via the forced swimming test on days 1, 7, and 14. Body weight was monitored throughout, and serum corticosterone and testosterone were measured at the endpoint. Sleep architecture was inferred from the treadmill protocol rather than directly recorded.