Abstract: Objective To investigate expression changes of nuclear receptors-glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the locus ceruleus neurons of posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD)like rats. Methods Sixty adult healthy male Wistar rats were enrolled in the experiment. PTSD-like rat model was established by single prolonged stress (SPS). There was no SPS stimulation in the control group and the rats of the other five groups were undisturbedly raised for 24 hours, 4 days,7 days,14 days and 28 days respectively after SPS stimulation.The expressions of glucocorticoid receptors in the locus ceruleus nucleus of all groups were detected with Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry,Western blotting and PCR, and image analysis and statistical analysis were performed. Results GR was distributed in the nucleus of coeruleus neurons, GR expression was showed after 24 hours, 4 days, 7 days treatment and gradually increased, restorative downregulation was seen after 14 days and 28 days, but still high(EM>P/EM><0.05). Conclusion After SPS, the GR locus ceruleus temporarily increased and then lowered, suggesting that PTSD rat locus coeruleus neurons in nuclear receptor-GR expression changes may directly involve in the continuing spirit of PTSD symptoms occurred in the development process

Key words: Posttraumatic stress disorders, Locus ceruleus, Nuclear receptors, Glucocorticoid receptors, Western blotting, Rat