Chronic mild stress induces widespread decreases in thyroid hormone α1 receptor mRNA levels in brain-Reversal by imipramine

Results indicated that CMS followed by VEH induced widespread decreases in TR-α1 mRNA in brain. In contrast, CMS-exposed rats receiving IMI for the last 2 weeks prior to sacrifice showed full recovery of sucrose preference. Furthermore, brain TR-α1 mRNA levels in these animals were similar to those of non-stressed controls receiving either SAL or IMI. These results reveal that TR-α1 mRNA brain levels are very sensitive to CMS effects. The reversal of both anhedonic and TR-α1 effects of CMS by IMI suggests that TR-α1 may play a role both in stress-induced depressive symptoms and in their reversal by antidepressant interventions.