Resocialization mitigates depressive behaviors induced by social isolation stress in mice: Attenuation of hippocampal neuroinflammation and nitrite level

Abstract

Background and aim

Social isolation stress (SIS) is a stressor known to trigger depressive behaviors. Psychiatric disorders are associated with neurobiological changes, such as neuroinflammation and an increase in nitric oxide (NO) signaling. Despite the well‐established detrimental effects of SIS and the involvement of neuroinflammation and NO in depression, potential management strategies, especially resocialization, remain insufficiently explored. Our aim was to elucidate the effects of resocialization on depressive behaviors in socially isolated mice, with a focus on the possible involvement of neuroinflammation and nitrite in the hippocampus (HIP).

Methods

We utilized 24 Naval Medical Research Institute male mice, maintained under both social and isolation conditions (SC and IC). After the isolation period, the mice were divided into two groups of eight, including the SIS group and a resocialized group. The SC group was kept without exposure to isolation stress. We conducted the open‐field test, forced swimming test, and splash test to evaluate depressive behaviors. Additionally, nitrite levels, as well as the gene expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the HIP, were measured.

Results

The study found that resocialization significantly reduces depressive behaviors in SIS mice. The results suggest that the antidepressive effects of resocialization may be partially due to the modulation of the neuroinflammatory response and nitrite levels in the HIP. This is supported by the observed decrease in hippocampal gene expression of IL‐1β, TLR4, and TNF, along with a reduction in nitrite levels following resocialization.

Conclusion

These insights could pave the way for new management strategies for depression, emphasizing the potential benefits of social interactions.

Abstract