Isolation rearing significantly perturbs brain metabolism in the thalamus and hippocampus

► Isolation-reared (IR) rats had decreased PET FDG uptake in the hippocampus and the thalamus. ► The decreased FDG uptake of IR rats in the hippocampus corresponded to decreased IEG expression in this region. ► PET FDG may serve as a translational biomarker of neurobiological factors in chronic psychosocial stress.