SavedAdd your journal

Journals / Etlik Veteriner Mikrobiyoloji Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 37 Sayı: 1

Effects of the Photoperiod Changes Induced Stress on Leukogram, Oxidative Status, and Cortisol: The Protective Role of Vitamin C

Fotoperiyot Değişikliklerinin Neden Olduğu Stresin Lökogram, Oksidatif Durum ve Kortizol Üzerindeki Etkileri: C Vitamininin Koruyucu Rolü

Elmas Ulutaş(YOZGAT BOZOK ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0002-5552-3939
Gökhan Koçak(YOZGAT BOZOK UNIVERSITY)0000-0001-5223-2258
Burhan Toprak(YOZGAT BOZOK UNIVERSITY)0000-0003-1082-4559
Pages
9–16
Publication Date
2026-07-13
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

In conclusion, it was demonstrated that photoperiod-induced stress exerts selective effects on the organism, particularly regarding immune cell distribution and redox balance, while vitamin C plays a protective role by reducing oxidative stress.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, the stress leukogram, and oxidative balance in an experimental stress model induced by photoperiod changes in rats, and to investigate the potential protective effects of vitamin C administration on these parameters.
📊
Key Findings & Data:A total of 42 male Wistar Albino rats were used in the study.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:In conclusion, it was demonstrated that photoperiod-induced stress exerts selective effects on the organism, particularly regarding immune cell distribution and redox balance, while vitamin C plays a protective role by reducing oxidative stress.
🔬Design:Modeling & Simulation
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Kortizol · Hematoloji · Oksidatif statü

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, the stress leukogram, and oxidative balance in an experimental stress model induced by photoperiod changes in rats, and to investigate the potential protective effects of vitamin C administration on these parameters. A total of 42 male Wistar Albino rats were used in the study. The animals were exposed to three different photoperiod regimens (12L/12D Normal, 18D/6L Dark, 18L/6D Light) for 14 days. Each main group was further divided into physiological saline (FTS) and vitamin C (150 mg/kg, i.m.) subgroups. At the end of the study, blood samples were analyzed for leukocyte differential count, serum cortisol, vitamin C, Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), Total Oxidant Status (TOS), and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI). Changes in photoperiod led to significant differences in lymphocyte (p 0.05). Among the oxidative balance parameters, TAS (p 0.05). Vitamin C administration increased TAS levels (p 0.05). In conclusion, it was demonstrated that photoperiod-induced stress exerts selective effects on the organism, particularly regarding immune cell distribution and redox balance, while vitamin C plays a protective role by reducing oxidative stress.

Özet

Bu çalışmada, ratlarda fotoperiyot değişikliği ile oluşturulan deneysel stres modelinde hipotalamus-hipofiz-adrenal (HPA) ekseni aktivasyonu, stres lökogramı ve oksidatif denge arasındaki ilişkinin birlikte değerlendirilmesi ve C vitamini uygulamasının bu parametreler üzerindeki olası koruyucu etkilerinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada 42 adet Wistar Albino erkek rat kullanıldı. Hayvanlar, 14 gün boyunca üç farklı fotoperiyot rejimine (12L/12D Normal, 18D/6L Karanlık, 18L/6D Aydınlık) maruz bırakıldı. Her ana grup kendi içinde fizyolojik tuzlu su (FTS) ve C vitamini (150 mg/kg, i.m.) alt gruplarına ayrıldı. Süreç sonunda elde edilen kan örneklerinde lökosit formülü, serum kortizol, C vitamini, Total Antioksidan Statü (TAS), Total Oksidan Statü (TOS) ve Oksidatif Stres İndeksi (OSİ) analiz edildi. Fotoperiyot değişimleri lenfosit (p 0.05). Oksidatif denge parametrelerinden TAS (p 0.05). C vitamini uygulaması TAS düzeyini artırırken (p 0.05). Sonuç olarak, fotoperiyot kaynaklı stresin organizmada özellikle immün hücre dağılımı ve redoks dengesi üzerinde seçici etkiler oluşturduğu; C vitamininin ise oksidatif stresi azaltarak koruyucu bir rol oynadığı ortaya konmuştur.

🔖

Cite This Article

Ulutaş, E., Koçak, G., Toprak, B. (2026). Effects of the Photoperiod Changes Induced Stress on Leukogram, Oxidative Status, and Cortisol: The Protective Role of Vitamin C. Etlik Veteriner Mikrobiyoloji Dergisi, Cilt: 37 Sayı: 1, 9–16. https://doi.org/10.35864/evmd.1919407

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (68)

  1. Başeğmez M, Eryavuz A. (2021) Sıçanlarda oral yüksek doz vitamin C takviyesinin serum vitamin C, leptin ve kortizol parametrelerine etkisi. Kocatepe Vet. J. 14(3), 339–345.
  2. Başeğmez M, Eryavuz A, Demirel HH. (2025) Effects of vitamin C supplementation on total antioxidant status, inflammation, and histopathological changes in aged rats. J. Biochem. Mol. Toxicol. 39(6), e70324.
  3. Berger MM, Oudemans-van Straaten HM. (2015) Vitamin C supplementation in the critically ill patient. Curr. Opin. Clin. Nutr. Metab. care. 18(2), 193–201.
  4. Betteridge DJ. (2000) What is oxidative stress?. Metabolism. 49(2), 3–8. Carr AC, Maggini S. (2017) Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients. 9(11), 1211.
  5. Carrillo-Vico A, Lardone PJ, Álvarez-Sánchez N, Rodríguez-Rodríguez A, Guerrero JM. (2013) Melatonin: buffering the immune system. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 14(4), 8638–8683.
  6. Castelhano-Carlos MJ, Baumans V. (2009) The impact of light, noise, cage cleaning and in-house transport on welfare and stress of laboratory rats.
  7. Cevik C, Aslan R. (2015) Effects of photoperiod variations and alpha-lipoic acid treatment on melatonin, cortisol, and oxidative stress levels in the blood of rats. Turkish J. Biol. 39(6), 941–949.
  8. Comba B, Çınar A, Comba A, Gencer YG. (2016) Sıçanlarda ACTH uygulamasının böbrek fonksiyon testleri, elektrolitler ve hematolojik parametreler üzerine etkileri. Ankara Üniv Vet Fak Derg. 63, 229–233.
  9. Davis AK, Maney DL, Maerz JC. (2008) The use of leukocyte profiles to measure stress in vertebrates: a review for ecologists. Funct. Ecol. 22(5), 760–772.
  10. Dhabhar FS. (2002) Stress-induced augmentation of immune function—the role of stress hormones, leukocyte trafficking, and cytokines. Brain. Behav. Immun. 16(6), 785–798.
  11. Dhabhar FS. (2008) Enhancing versus suppressive effects of stress on immune function: implications for immunoprotection versus immunopathology. Allergy, Asthma Clin. Immunol. 4(1), 2.
  12. Dhabhar FS. (2014) Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful. Immunol. Res. 58(2), 193–210.
  13. Divyashree S, Sarjan HN, Yajurvedi HN. (2016) Effects of long-term chronic stress on the lymphoid organs and blood leukocytes of the rat (Rattus norvegicus). Can. J. Zool. 94(2), 137–143.
  14. Doğan MF, Kaya K, Demirel HH, Başeğmez M, Şahin Y, Çiftçi O. (2023) The effect of vitamin C supplementation on favipiravir-induced oxidative stress and proinflammatory damage in livers and kidneys of rats. Immunopharmacol. Immunotoxicol., 1–6.
  15. Đurašević SF, Đorđević J, Drenca T, Jasnić N, Cvijić G. (2008) Influence of vitamin C supplementation on the oxidative status of rat liver. Arch. Biol. Sci. 60(2), 169–173.
  16. Erel O. (2004) A novel automated direct measurement method for total antioxidant capacity using a new generation, more stable ABTS radical cation. Clin. Biochem. 37(4), 277–285.
  17. Erel O. (2005) A new automated colorimetric method for measuring total oxidant status. Clin. Biochem. 38(12), 1103–1111.
  18. Gencer Y, Çınar DA, Comba B. (2015) Stresin ratlarda bazı karaciğer enzimleri (AST, ALT, ALP) üzerine etkilerinin araştırılması. Atatürk Üniversitesi Vet. Bilim. Derg. 10(1), 21–26.
  19. Goldman BD. (1999) The circadian timing system and reproduction in mammals. Steroids. 64(9), 679–685.
  20. Gurbanlı R. (2019) Stres uygulanan ratlarda spirulina desteğinin hematolojik parametrelere etkisi. Yüksek Lisans Tezi. BUÜ Sağlık, Bursa.
  21. Hernandez ME, Martinez-Mota L, Salinas C, Marquez-Velasco R, Hernandez-Chan NG, Morales-Montor J, Pérez-Tapia M, Streber ML, Granados-Camacho I, Becerril E. (2013) Chronic stress induces structural alterations in splenic lymphoid tissue that are associated with changes in corticosterone levels in Wistar‐Kyoto rats. Biomed Res. Int. 2013(1), 868742.
  22. Hidayatik N, Purnomo A, Fikri F, Purnama MTE. (2021) Amelioration on oxidative stress, testosterone, and cortisol levels after administration of Vitamins C and E in albino rats with chronic variable stress. Vet. World. 14(1), 137.
  23. Huang T, Ruoff P, Fjelldal PG. (2010) Diurnal expression of clock genes in pineal gland and brain and plasma levels of melatonin and cortisol in Atlantic salmon parr and smolts. Chronobiol. Int. 27(9–10), 1697–1714. Konuk T. (1981) Pratik fizyoloji. Ankara Üniversitesi Vet. Fakültesi Yayınları. 314, 66–68.
  24. Kurhaluk N, Tkachenko H, Lukash O. (2021) Photoperiod-induced alterations in biomarkers of oxidative stress and biochemical pathways in rats of different ages: Focus on individual physiological reactivity. Chronobiol. Int. 38(12), 1673–1691.
  25. Lavoisier FT, Julius AN, Landri TF, Bertin VN, Martine TA, Séverin F, Brice M, Boris TM, Augustave K. (2023) Light exposure impairs hematological characteristics and oxidative stress markers in male African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus) reared in captivity. Comp. Clin. Path. 32(6), 957–961.
  26. Łuczaj W, Gęgotek A, Skrzydlewska E. (2017) Antioxidants and HNE in redox homeostasis. Free Radic. Biol. Med. 111, 87–101.
  27. Mentese A, Alemdar NT, Livaoglu A, Ayazoglu Demir E, Aliyazicioglu Y, Demir S. (2022) Suppression of cisplatin-induced ovarian injury in rats by chrysin: an experimental study. J. Obstet. Gynaecol. (Lahore). 42(8), 3584–3590.
  28. Milošević VL, Nestorović NM, Negić NM, Filipović BR, Brkić B, Starčević VP. (2003) Characteristics of the pituitary immunopositive ACTH cells in rat females after chronic exposure to constant light. Jugosl. Med. biohemija. 22(1), 27–32.
  29. Moghimian M, Azin S, Alavi–Kakhki SS, Kourosh-Arami M, Gholami M, Beheshti F, Fani M. (2023) Preventive impacts of vitamin C on memory damage caused by unpredictable chronic mild stress in relation to biochemical parameters in the hippocampus of male rats. Nutr. Neurosci. 26(12), 1222–1231.
  30. Moustafa A. (2021) Chronic exposure to continuous brightness or darkness modulates immune responses and ameliorates the antioxidant enzyme system in male rats. Front. Vet. Sci. 8, 621188.
  31. Nelson RJ, Denlinger DL, Somers DE. (2010) Photoperiodism: the biological calendar. Oxford University Press. Okuliarova M, Mazgutova N, Majzunova M, Rumanova VS, Zeman M. (2021) Dim light at night impairs daily variation of circulating immune cells and renal immune homeostasis. Front. Immunol. 11, 614960.
  32. Oudemans-van Straaten HM, Man AMES, Waard MC de. (2014) Vitamin C revisited. Crit. Care. 18, 1–13. Prendergast BJ, Kampf-Lassin A, Yee JR, Galang J, McMaster N, Kay LM. (2007) Winter day lengths enhance T lymphocyte phenotypes, inhibit cytokine responses, and attenuate behavioral symptoms of infection in laboratory rats. Brain. Behav. Immun. 21(8), 1096–1108.
  33. Reiter RJ, Mayo JC, Tan D, Sainz RM, Alatorre‐Jimenez M, Qin L. (2016) Melatonin as an antioxidant: under promises but over delivers. J. Pineal Res. 61(3), 253–278.
  34. Salami SA, Salahdeen HM, Moronkola OT, Murtala BA, Raji Y. (2020) Vitamin C supplementation during chronic variable stress exposure modulates contractile functions of testicular artery and sperm parameters in male Wistar rats. Middle East Fertil. Soc. J. 25, 1–10.
  35. Subash S, Subramanian P, Sivaperumal R, Manivasagam T, Essa MM. (2006) Constant light influences the circadian oscillations of circulatory lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and some biochemical variables in rats. Biol. Rhythm Res. 37(6), 471–477.
  36. Sun R, Liu L, Qian T, Zhao M, Che W, Hou X, Xie H, Su Y, Pan H, Li J. (2022) Protection of vitamin C on oxidative damage caused by long-term excess iodine exposure in Wistar rats. Nutrients. 14(24), 5245.
  37. Swan MP, Hickman DL. (2014) Evaluation of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a measure of distress in rats. Lab Anim. (NY). 43(8), 276–282.
  38. Tsigos C, Chrousos GP. (2002) Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, neuroendocrine factors and stress. J. Psychosom. Res. 53(4), 865–871.
  39. Wu R, Feng J, Yang Y, Dai C, Lu A-Y, Li J, Liao Y, Xiang M, Huang Q, Wang D, Du X. (2017) Significance of Serum Total Oxidant/Antioxidant Status in Patients With Colorectal Cancer. PLoS One. 12(1), e0170003. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0170003
  40. Başeğmez M, Eryavuz A. (2021) Sıçanlarda oral yüksek doz vitamin C takviyesinin serum vitamin C, leptin ve kortizol parametrelerine etkisi. Kocatepe Vet. J. 14(3), 339–345.
  41. Başeğmez M, Eryavuz A, Demirel HH. (2025) Effects of vitamin C supplementation on total antioxidant status, inflammation, and histopathological changes in aged rats. J. Biochem. Mol. Toxicol. 39(6), e70324.
  42. Carrillo-Vico A, Lardone PJ, Álvarez-Sánchez N, Rodríguez-Rodríguez A, Guerrero JM. (2013) Melatonin: buffering the immune system. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 14(4), 8638–8683.
  43. Cevik C, Aslan R. (2015) Effects of photoperiod variations and alpha-lipoic acid treatment on melatonin, cortisol, and oxidative stress levels in the blood of rats. Turkish J. Biol. 39(6), 941–949.
  44. Davis AK, Maney DL, Maerz JC. (2008) The use of leukocyte profiles to measure stress in vertebrates: a review for ecologists. Funct. Ecol. 22(5), 760–772.
  45. Dhabhar FS. (2002) Stress-induced augmentation of immune function—the role of stress hormones, leukocyte trafficking, and cytokines. Brain. Behav. Immun. 16(6), 785–798.
  46. Dhabhar FS. (2008) Enhancing versus suppressive effects of stress on immune function: implications for immunoprotection versus immunopathology. Allergy, Asthma Clin. Immunol. 4(1), 2.
  47. Dhabhar FS. (2014) Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful. Immunol. Res. 58(2), 193–210.
  48. Divyashree S, Sarjan HN, Yajurvedi HN. (2016) Effects of long-term chronic stress on the lymphoid organs and blood leukocytes of the rat (Rattus norvegicus). Can. J. Zool. 94(2), 137–143.
  49. Doğan MF, Kaya K, Demirel HH, Başeğmez M, Şahin Y, Çiftçi O. (2023) The effect of vitamin C supplementation on favipiravir-induced oxidative stress and proinflammatory damage in livers and kidneys of rats. Immunopharmacol. Immunotoxicol., 1–6.
  50. Đurašević SF, Đorđević J, Drenca T, Jasnić N, Cvijić G. (2008) Influence of vitamin C supplementation on the oxidative status of rat liver. Arch. Biol. Sci. 60(2), 169–173.
  51. Erel O. (2004) A novel automated direct measurement method for total antioxidant capacity using a new generation, more stable ABTS radical cation. Clin. Biochem. 37(4), 277–285.
  52. Erel O. (2005) A new automated colorimetric method for measuring total oxidant status. Clin. Biochem. 38(12), 1103–1111.
  53. Gencer Y, Çınar DA, Comba B. (2015) Stresin ratlarda bazı karaciğer enzimleri (AST, ALT, ALP) üzerine etkilerinin araştırılması. Atatürk Üniversitesi Vet. Bilim. Derg. 10(1), 21–26.
  54. Hernandez ME, Martinez-Mota L, Salinas C, Marquez-Velasco R, Hernandez-Chan NG, Morales-Montor J, Pérez-Tapia M, Streber ML, Granados-Camacho I, Becerril E. (2013) Chronic stress induces structural alterations in splenic lymphoid tissue that are associated with changes in corticosterone levels in Wistar‐Kyoto rats. Biomed Res. Int. 2013(1), 868742.
  55. Huang T, Ruoff P, Fjelldal PG. (2010) Diurnal expression of clock genes in pineal gland and brain and plasma levels of melatonin and cortisol in Atlantic salmon parr and smolts. Chronobiol. Int. 27(9–10), 1697–1714. Konuk T. (1981) Pratik fizyoloji. Ankara Üniversitesi Vet. Fakültesi Yayınları. 314, 66–68.
  56. Kurhaluk N, Tkachenko H, Lukash O. (2021) Photoperiod-induced alterations in biomarkers of oxidative stress and biochemical pathways in rats of different ages: Focus on individual physiological reactivity. Chronobiol. Int. 38(12), 1673–1691.
  57. Lavoisier FT, Julius AN, Landri TF, Bertin VN, Martine TA, Séverin F, Brice M, Boris TM, Augustave K. (2023) Light exposure impairs hematological characteristics and oxidative stress markers in male African giant pouched rat (Cricetomys gambianus) reared in captivity. Comp. Clin. Path. 32(6), 957–961.
  58. Łuczaj W, Gęgotek A, Skrzydlewska E. (2017) Antioxidants and HNE in redox homeostasis. Free Radic. Biol. Med. 111, 87–101.
  59. Mentese A, Alemdar NT, Livaoglu A, Ayazoglu Demir E, Aliyazicioglu Y, Demir S. (2022) Suppression of cisplatin-induced ovarian injury in rats by chrysin: an experimental study. J. Obstet. Gynaecol. (Lahore). 42(8), 3584–3590.
  60. Moghimian M, Azin S, Alavi–Kakhki SS, Kourosh-Arami M, Gholami M, Beheshti F, Fani M. (2023) Preventive impacts of vitamin C on memory damage caused by unpredictable chronic mild stress in relation to biochemical parameters in the hippocampus of male rats. Nutr. Neurosci. 26(12), 1222–1231.
  61. Moustafa A. (2021) Chronic exposure to continuous brightness or darkness modulates immune responses and ameliorates the antioxidant enzyme system in male rats. Front. Vet. Sci. 8, 621188.
  62. Nelson RJ, Denlinger DL, Somers DE. (2010) Photoperiodism: the biological calendar. Oxford University Press. Okuliarova M, Mazgutova N, Majzunova M, Rumanova VS, Zeman M. (2021) Dim light at night impairs daily variation of circulating immune cells and renal immune homeostasis. Front. Immunol. 11, 614960.
  63. Oudemans-van Straaten HM, Man AMES, Waard MC de. (2014) Vitamin C revisited. Crit. Care. 18, 1–13. Prendergast BJ, Kampf-Lassin A, Yee JR, Galang J, McMaster N, Kay LM. (2007) Winter day lengths enhance T lymphocyte phenotypes, inhibit cytokine responses, and attenuate behavioral symptoms of infection in laboratory rats. Brain. Behav. Immun. 21(8), 1096–1108.
  64. Reiter RJ, Mayo JC, Tan D, Sainz RM, Alatorre‐Jimenez M, Qin L. (2016) Melatonin as an antioxidant: under promises but over delivers. J. Pineal Res. 61(3), 253–278.
  65. Salami SA, Salahdeen HM, Moronkola OT, Murtala BA, Raji Y. (2020) Vitamin C supplementation during chronic variable stress exposure modulates contractile functions of testicular artery and sperm parameters in male Wistar rats. Middle East Fertil. Soc. J. 25, 1–10.
  66. Subash S, Subramanian P, Sivaperumal R, Manivasagam T, Essa MM. (2006) Constant light influences the circadian oscillations of circulatory lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and some biochemical variables in rats. Biol. Rhythm Res. 37(6), 471–477.
  67. Swan MP, Hickman DL. (2014) Evaluation of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio as a measure of distress in rats. Lab Anim. (NY). 43(8), 276–282.
  68. Tsigos C, Chrousos GP. (2002) Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, neuroendocrine factors and stress. J. Psychosom. Res. 53(4), 865–871.