Effect of handling and forced immobilization on rat plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (1978)

Kvetnansky, R., Sun, C. L., Lake, C. R. et al.

Abstract

Forced immobilization of rats triggers activation of adrenal-medullary discharge of ephinephrine (EPI) [ and adrenocortical secretion of cortisol] and sympathetic neuronal release of norepinephrine (NE). Plasma levels of EPI reach peak values, which are about 40-fold greater than undisturbed rats, at about 20 min. .... Plasma levels of NE are increased about 6-fold throughout the immobilization interval of 150 minutes. Transfer of cages with rats to another room significantly increased both catecholamines along with cortisol.