Chronic mild stress induces behavioral and physiological changes, and may alter serotonin 1A receptor function, in male and cycling female rats

Rationale Interactions among stress, serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptors, and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical (HPA) system have been proposed to influence the development of depression in humans. The investigation of depression-relevant behaviors and physiological responses to environmental stressors in animal models of depression may provide valuable insight regarding these mechanisms.