Investigations in foot shock stress of variable intensity in mice: Adaptation and role of angiotensin II

The present study investigated the stress adaptation and role of angiotensin in response to repeated exposures of electric foot shocks of varying intensity. Mice were subjected to moderate (0.5mA) or severe (1.5mA) electric foot shocks for 1h for 5 days. Stress-induced behavioral changes were assessed by actophotometer, hole board, open field and social interaction tests. The serum corticosterone levels were measured as an index of HPA axis. Telmisartan (a selective AT1 receptor blocker) was employed as a pharmacological tool. A single exposure of moderate and severe stress produced behavioral deficits and increased the corticosterone levels. The restoration of these alterations was observed in response to repeated exposures of moderate stress, while no adaptation was observed in severe foot shock stress. A single administration of telmisartan (5mg/kg) exacerbated the moderate stress-induced decrease in behavioral activity and increase in corticosterone levels on the first day of stress exposure, suggesting the anti-stress role of angiotensin. In contrast, telmisartan normalized severe stress-induced behavioral and biochemical alterations suggesting the stress inducing actions of angiotensin. Furthermore, treatment with telmisartan abolished the stress adaptive response following repeated exposures of moderate stress suggesting that angiotensin has an adaptive role. It is concluded that there is a differential adaptive response in foot shock stress depending upon the severity of stress. Angiotensin II may act as an anti-stress agent and helps to promote the adaptation during medium stress, whereas it may promote stress response during severe stress.