Adrenomedullary hormonal stimulation and hyperglycemia following intermale aggression in the bandicoot rat.

Abstract

The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate adrenomedullary hormones and blood glucose responses to intermale aggression in the bandicoot rat. Aggression elicited a rise in adrenaline and noradrenaline content of the adrenal gland and in blood glucose level in the subordinate rats. No significant change was marked in the dominant rats after aggression. It is suggested that during aggression the subordinate rats suffered from psychosomatic stress that resulted in hyperactivity of the adrenal medulla and consequently hyperglycemia.