Change of serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 and its influence on the heart rate and blood pressure of rats with chronic stress

Objective: To observe the changes of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6),and their influence on the blood pressure and heart rates of rats by establishing models of chronic stress. Methods: Forty healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups. Control group (n=10) were not given any incentives,and the experimental group (n=30) were established models of chronic stress with Katz method. Serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels of the rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay,and the blood pressure and heart rates were recorded. Results: Compared with the control group,the open field activity of the rats with chronic stress decreased (P < 0.01),serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels increased (P < 0.05),the blood pressure was elevated and the heart rate speeded (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Stress may affect the emotional behavior,increase the serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels and influence the blood pressure and heart rates of the rats.