An insight on chronic unpredictable stress in association with pathophysiology, neurotransmitters, and experimental models

Abstract

Stress is a common disorder affecting the normal functioning of the brain and behavior majorly in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus region of the brain. Any long-term intrinsic and extrinsic stimulus evokes chronic stress-like conditions. Chronic stress reported enhancing the formation of reactive oxygen species, leading to mitochondrial cell death through the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis which releases cortisol, excessive secretion of cortisol is responsible for alteration in glucose metabolism, and other neurological disorders such as anxiety, depression, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer, and Parkinson’s disease. The purpose of this review is to provide an insight into the various pathophysiological aspects along with neurotransmitters involved in chronic stress and its association with various neurological disorders. Along with this, we also provided a background on the various experimental models of chronic stress.