Objective      To determine the changes over time of ferritin (Fn) content in the different brain regions of rats after single prolonging stress (SPS)

and investigate its role in the pathogenesis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).       Methods      PTSD model was established by SPS

and the model establishment was verified by behavioral test. A total of 60 healthy male SD rats were assigned into the model group (n=35) and normal control group (n=25). Fn expression was detected in the prefrontal cortex

striatum

hippocampus and cerebellum of rats by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and qRT-PCR. Western blotting was applied to observe the expression profile of Fn over time after SPS.       Results      The SPS group showed higher anxiety and fear levels (P0.05). Fn expression was significantly decreased in the hippocampus of the SPS rats but remarkably increased in the striatum (P0.05). The mRNA level of Fn was reduced in the hippocampus (P0.05). In 1 and 3 d after stress

the protein level of Fn was obviously down-regulated in the hippocampal region (P0.05).       Conclusion      Fn expression is changed in the brain of the SPS rats

which indicating that iron metabolism abnormalities may be involved in the pathogenesis of PTSD.