Oral administration of MCT oil reduces anxiety-like behavior and is associated with differences in serum BDNF responses in a rat model of PTSD

Abstract

Abstract Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by neuroinflammatory and neurotrophic dysregulation, and effective interventions remain limited. Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, a dietary source of ketone bodies, may offer a practical means to elevate circulating β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a molecule with reported anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. This study investigated whether oral administration of MCT oil modulates behavioral and molecular stress responses in a single prolonged stress (SPS) rat model of PTSD. Repeated oral MCT administration significantly increased circulating BHB levels and reduced anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze, without affecting locomotor activity. Under acute restraint stress, serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were significantly lower in MCT-treated rats than in long-chain triglyceride (LCT)-treated controls. Inflammatory cytokine expression remained unchanged in serum and brain tissue. These findings suggest that oral MCT oil attenuates anxiety-like behavior under SPS conditions and is associated with differences in serum BDNF responses during acute stress. Therefore, MCT oil may represent a feasible dietary approach for influencing stress-related behavioral responses.