Time of day and stress response to different stressors in experimental animals. Part I: Golden hamster (1996)

Abstract

The present paper describes the effects of animal house routine stressors on [female] adult golden hamsters during activity time (2 hrs after lights off) and rest time (2 hrs after lights on). In addition, for determination of norm values, the circadian rhythms of the stress indicators heart rate, core body temperature and general activity of unstressed animals were telemetrically registered via implanted transmitters. .. The physiological norm values (mean over 24 hours +/-SD) were: heart rate 324 +/- 18 bpm, core body temperature 37.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C. .. The stress responses were significantly stronger during the rest time of the animals (i.e. light period), and it resulted in the subsequent ranking of stressors: handling < vaginal smear < intruder/resident confrontation < cage changing < grouping.