Introduction: Cortex is one of the important areas of the neural system that plays an important role in reversion of the use of narcotics. Previous studies had shown the influence of stress on the alteration of the activity in this region. In this study the effects of chronic restrain stress were examined on cortex development in Wistar rats.
Methods: In the present study Wistar female rats were used (250 g). Experimental group have been treated with restrain stress after mating (35 min/day for 7 days). On day 19 of pregnancy, the pregnant rats were anesthetized and the embryos were removed surgically. Development of the cortex was studied in control and experimental rats by mean of H&E staining and MOTIC software.
Results: Thickness and structural alterations in different areas of the cortex have been observed in the experimental group. These changes were a great deal significant statically.
Conclusion: Decrease in thickness of the cortex could be a strong evidence for imprisoning of the embryos from stress during pregnancy that certainly will lead to a lot of difficulties after birth.