This study investigates the effects of two models of chronic stress—chronic immobilization stress (CIS) and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)—on the dendritic morphology of hippocampal and amygdaloid neurons in rats. CIS induced significant dendritic atrophy in CA3 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus, while enhancing dendritic arborization in pyramidal and stellate neurons of the basolateral complex of the amygdala. In contrast, CUS had little effect on CA3 pyramidal neurons but caused atrophy in BLA bipolar neurons. These contrasting patterns suggest that chronic stress can lead to different forms of dendritic remodeling in specific neuronal elements, potentially contributing to behavioral manifestations of enhanced emotionality. The study also found that CIS reduced open-arm activity in the elevated plus-maze, indicating an enhanced anxiety response, while CUS did not show similar effects. These findings highlight the complex and specific nature of stress-induced structural plasticity in the amygdala and hippocampus, which may have implications for the development of affective disorders triggered by chronic stress.This study investigates the effects of two models of chronic stress—chronic immobilization stress (CIS) and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)—on the dendritic morphology of hippocampal and amygdaloid neurons in rats. CIS induced significant dendritic atrophy in CA3 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus, while enhancing dendritic arborization in pyramidal and stellate neurons of the basolateral complex of the amygdala. In contrast, CUS had little effect on CA3 pyramidal neurons but caused atrophy in BLA bipolar neurons. These contrasting patterns suggest that chronic stress can lead to different forms of dendritic remodeling in specific neuronal elements, potentially contributing to behavioral manifestations of enhanced emotionality. The study also found that CIS reduced open-arm activity in the elevated plus-maze, indicating an enhanced anxiety response, while CUS did not show similar effects. These findings highlight the complex and specific nature of stress-induced structural plasticity in the amygdala and hippocampus, which may have implications for the development of affective disorders triggered by chronic stress.