Social isolation and predator scent tests alter brain BDNF levels differentially according to gender, in rats and effects of fluoxetine

We compared different stress conditions on brain BDNF levels, in rats exposed to social isolation test (SIT) and predator scent tests (PST). BDNF expression in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala was compared, and effects of chronic fluoxetine (FLU) treatment were evaluated. Rats were exposed to SIT and PST for one month. FLU was given (5 mg/kg/day, ip) throughout stress procedures. Controls, stress, and treatment groups were evaluated in elevated plus maze, anxiety scores were calculated. BDNF expression was determined by Western blot. SIT and PST induced anxiety in both sexes, females had greater anxiety scores than males (p