Corticosterone Animal Models refer to the use of specific animal species, predominantly rodents like mice and rats, in which the glucocorticoid corticosterone is the primary circulating stress hormone, functionally analogous to human cortisol. These models are widely employed in preclinical research to investigate the systemic effects of chronic stress, hormonal manipulation, and glucocorticoid signaling on various organ systems. They provide a controlled, translational platform for studying the complex interplay between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and conditions like metabolic syndrome and mood disorders.
Origin
The development of these models stems from comparative endocrinology, which established that the dominant glucocorticoid varies across mammalian species. Corticosterone is the main stress hormone in rodents, while cortisol predominates in humans and primates. By utilizing rodents, researchers can administer exogenous corticosterone or genetically manipulate its signaling to mimic states of human hypercortisolism or chronic stress. This provides a critical tool for detailed mechanistic research.
Mechanism
In these models, researchers typically administer corticosterone to induce a state of chronic stress, or they may employ methods like chronic unpredictable stress to elevate endogenous levels. The administered or elevated corticosterone binds to the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in target tissues, initiating transcriptional changes that mirror the effects of chronic stress. This controlled hormonal manipulation allows for the detailed study of stress-induced pathologies, including alterations in neurogenesis, immune function, and energy metabolism, under highly controlled laboratory conditions.
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