Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that depression include disruptions not only for mental human disorders but also their healthy living. Rodent-based behavioral tests and models are widely used to understand the mechanisms by which stress triggers anxiety-related behaviors. This present study examined the evidence of a chronic restraint stress (CRS) paradigm in male Wistar rats for the progressive nature of depression alongside with related changes in behavior and functions. The body weight was determined, and the behavior tests, including sucrose preference and the open field test were performed. Theses parameters confirme the presence of anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors beside that we will focus on the response of ACTH and testosterone concentrations in rats. The results obtained during the experiment show that CRS led to decrease the time spent in the field center, a decrease of total distance travelled, in the stressed group compared with the control group. A significant increased of ACTH levels and decreased in testosterone hormone levels in the CRS. According to these results the CRS rodent model has value to validating the development for depression.