The comparison of the effects of acute swimming stress on plasma corticosterone and leptin concentration in male and female rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acute swimming stress on plasma corticosterone and leptin levels in female and male rats. Thirty- seven adult male (n=20) and female (n=20) Sprague Dawley rats (200-250 g weight) were used. The leptin and corticosterone levels were measured following swimming stress (10 minutes) or no stress. Plasma leptin and corticosterone were measured by ELISA system. The plasma leptin and corticosterone levels were significantly increased in female and male rats by swimming stress. Plasma leptin level was not correlated significantly with plasma corticosterone in all groups. There were no sex differences in leptin level among stressed and non stressed rats. The results suggest that changes in plasma leptin level could not be associated with stimulation of corticosterone secretion from adrenal glands and leptin secretion is not sex dependent.