Environmental Enrichment Ameliorates Anxiety-Like Behavior in Rats without Altering Plasma Corticosterone Level

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorder is one of the most common psychiatric problems. Prolonged stress gives rise to anxiety-like behavior in animals. Environmental interventions influence outcome anxiety treatment. enrichment (EE) can modulate brain’s structure and function. AIM: The objective study was evaluate EE effects on corticosterone (CORT) level after unpredictable chronic mild (UCMS). METHODS: A total 28 rats were assigned into four groups randomly: Control, UCMS, UCMS+EE, UCMS+fluoxetine. EE, fluoxetine given for 21 days. measured day 22nd using Elevated Plus Maze. Behavioral measurement based time spent entries onto open closed arms. CORT ELISA. RESULTS: UCMS increased as seen from reduced number arms well group than control. Rats more made (both p = 0.002). Anxiolytic effect stronger fluoxetine. Plasma among did not differ significantly (p 0.351). CONCLUSION: ameliorate stress-induced without affecting level.