GLUCOCORTICOSTERONE RESPONSE TO NOVELTY AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESSOR

The 11-hydroxycorticosterone response in non-pregnant and pregnant rats to novelty as a psychological stressor was examined. Past studies have mostly emphasized short duration of exposure to the novel environment. The present study aimed at investigating the elevation and habituation of the 11-hydroxycorticosterone response to repeated exposures (30 min daily) to the novel environment. It was found that on Day 1 of exposure in non-pregnant and pregnant rats the 11-hydroxycorticosterone elevation is approximately four fold, and then gradually habituating over days. No significant elevation above control levels were obtained after 5 days of exposure to the novel environment in nulliparous animals. Novelty is a powerful but simple tool in psychological stress research. © 1979.