Behavioral and metabolic effects of escapable electric foot shock stress in male mice

Stressed mice showed enhanced memory retention of fear, as evidenced by an increased number of freezing events in the aversive context test. In the elevated plus maze test, stressed mice spent significantly less time in the open arms, indicating anxious behavior. However, no significant behavioral differences were observed between the stressed and control groups in the open field test. Stressed mice had a larger hypothalamic mass, elevated liver lipid peroxide levels, and a higher red blood cell count, with no changes in total leukocyte count. Thus, escapable foot shock induces fear response, anxiety-like behavior and minor metabolic changes in mice.