Biological variations in adrenal gland response to immobilization and glucoprivation stressors in rats.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential variation in adrenal gland response to two different types of acute stressors, immobilization and glucoprivation.

METHODS

Twenty-four adult male albino rats were randomly divided into three main groups (8 rats/group): a) control, i.e. non-stressed group, b) immobilized group (IS), and c) glucoprivated (GS) group. Plasma catecholamines (CAs), including epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT), sodium, potassium, and glucose were measured. Adrenals weight, CAs levels, and nitric oxide (NO) content were also determined.

RESULTS

Immobilized group of rats showed significantly higher plasma NE and DA levels along with a significantly lower adrenal NE content than GS group. On the other hand, GS group was associated with significantly higher plasma E, ACTH, CORT, glucose, and Na+ levels as well as higher adrenal DA and NO levels along with significantly lower plasma K+ levels and adrenal E content in comparison with IS group.

CONCLUSION

Stress response is unique according to the nature of the stressor. Adrenal glands play a key role in this stress-induced differentiated response probably via modulation of its adreno-medullary and/or adrenocortical hormone levels in order to assign the body cope with different types of stress challenges during the life.