Sertraline can alleviate neuronal and synaptic damage in the hippocampus of PTSD mice and inhibit the increase in myelin.

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychiatric disorder, and previous studies have suggested that its pathogenesis is related to hippocampal dysfunction. Sertraline, a commonly used medication for treating PTSD, has an unclear mechanism of action. In this study, we assessed the behavioral performance of PTSD mice through the open field test, Y-maze, and forced swimming test. We also examined changes in hippocampal neurons, synapses, and myelin sheaths in PTSD mice using hematoxylin-eosin staining, Nissl staining, Luxol fast blue staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, in order to simulate clinical conditions, we administered sertraline treatment to the PTSD group of mice. The results showed that sertraline significantly improved anxiety, despair, and learning and memory in PTSD mice. Histological analysis revealed that sertraline inhibited neuronal damage, restored synaptic function, and reduced excessive myelin sheath proliferation. In conclusion, the findings of this study may provide a basis for the future use of sertraline in the treatment of PTSD.