Cortisol response of female rhesus monkeys to venipuncture in homecage versus venipuncture in restraint apparatus (1990)

Reinhardt, V., Cowley, D., Scheffler, J. et al.

Abstract

All subjects were well habituated to blood collection, and it was not necessary to immobilize them; they readily presented a leg for venipuncture. In single monkeys venipunctured in the restraint apparatus, cortisol concentrations were on average 50% higher 15 minutes after venipuncture; this elevation was significant (p<0.001). The magnitude of cortisol elevation was only 18% in single monkeys venipunctured in the homecage; this elevation was not significant (p>0.1).Single, dominant-paired and subordinate-paired monkeys had equivalent cortisol concentrations. It was concluded that living with a compatible companion does not constitute a situation that is more distressing than living alone.