Fig. 4

Schematic summarizing the stress-induced biochemical changes with behavioral manifestation. Exposure to extreme stress in the form of escapable electric foot shock leads to activation of the HPA axis in the brain and contributes to the development of hypothalamic hypertrophy after traumatic stress exposure. Activated HPA axis leads to glucocorticoid release, which, in turn, may contribute to erythropoiesis. A higher erythrocyte count results in oxidative stress and increased lipid peroxide levels that was observed in our study. Oxidative stress-induced changes alter the functioning of the amygdala and hippocampus which contribute to fear-associated memory and anxiety behavior