Τhe neuroprotective role of environmental enrichment against behavioral,
morphological, neuroendocrine and molecular changes following chronic
unpredictable mild stress: A systematic review
Abstract
Environmental factors interact with biological and genetic factors
influencing the development and well-being of an organism. The interest
to better understand the role of environment on behavior and physiology
led to the development of animal models of environmental manipulations.
Environmental Enrichment (EE), an environmental condition that allows
cognitive and sensory stimulation as well as social interaction,
improves cognitive function, reduces anxiety and depressive-like
behavior, and promotes neuroplasticity. In addition, it exerts
protection against neurodegenerative disorders, cognitive aging and
deficits aggravated by stressful experiences. Given the beneficial
effects of EE on brain and behavior, preclinical studies focus on its
protective role as an alternative, non-invasive manipulation, to help an
organism to cope better with stress. A valid, reliable and effective
animal model of chronic stress that enhances anxiety and depression-like
behavior is the Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS). The variety of
stressors and the unpredictability in the time and sequence of exposure
to prevent habituation, render CUMS an ethologically relevant model.
CUMS has been associated with dysregulation of the
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis, elevation in the basal levels of
stress hormones, reduction in brain volume, dendritic atrophy and
alterations in markers of synaptic plasticity. Although numerous studies
have underlined the compensatory role of EE against the negative effects
of various chronic stress regimens (e.g., restraint, social isolation),
research concerning the interaction between EE and CUMS is sparse. The
purpose of the current systematic review is to present up-to-date
research findings regarding the protective role of EE against the
negative effects of CUMS.