Environmental noise stress alters thyroid function, biochemical and hematological parameters, and behavioral responses in Wistar albino rats
Open Veterinary Journal, cilt.16, sa.9, ss.5990-5998, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 16 Sayı: 9
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.5455/ovj.2026.v16.i9.8
- Dergi Adı: Open Veterinary Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.5990-5998
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Behavioral response, Cholesterol, Hematological parameters, Noise stress, Thyroxine
- Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Background: Chronic stress affects endocrine, biochemical, hematological, and behavioral functions, thereby influencing metabolic regulation, immune responses, and neurological activity. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic noise stress on hormonal, biochemical, hematological, and behavioral parameters in Wistar albino rats, with particular emphasis on sex-specific differences. Methods: Twenty Wistar albino rats (control: n = 10; noise-stress: n = 10) were distributed equally by sex and maintained under standard laboratory conditions. The noise-stress group was exposed to white noise (70 dB) for 1 hour daily for 30 consecutive days, whereas the control group was maintained in a quiet environment. T4 and total cholesterol concentrations were measured in lithium-heparinized whole blood samples using a veterinary biochemistry analyzer, and hematological parameters were assessed using an automated hematology analyzer. Behavioral parameters were evaluated based on activity levels and stress-related observations. Statistical analyses were performed using the independent-samples t-test, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: T4 concentrations were significantly higher in the noise-stress group than in the control group (p < 0.001). T4 was also higher in the noise-stress group in male rats (p = 0.025). The total cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower following noise exposure in both female (p < 0.001) and male rats (p = 0.007). Hematological analysis revealed higher white blood cell, granulocyte, and mid-range cell counts and lower lymphocyte percentages in female rats. Lymphocyte percentage tended to decrease in male rats, whereas platelet-related parameters showed descriptive increases following noise exposure. Behavioral observations indicated that, compared with the control group, noise-exposed rats predominantly exhibited increased aggression, heightened responsiveness to external stimuli, frequent fighting, and increased food and water intake, although some individuals showed reduced locomotor activity. Conclusion: Chronic noise stress induced significant hormonal, biochemical, hematological, and behavioral alterations. Female and male rats displayed different patterns of metabolic, immune, and behavioral responses to noise stress.