[Stress and stress hormones in mammals].

Abstract

Stress and influence of stress hormones on organisms is interesting theme in many fields of study, e.g. human and veterinary medicine, zoology, ecology. Short time stress is not negative reaction, because it helps to alive. In stress response increase stress hormones levels (catecholamines, glucocorticoids), which cause elevated heart rate, blood pressure and acute elevation of blood glucose. These reactions cause better blood flow and acute utilization energy in vital organs, e.g. the brain, heart or muscles, and its cause better survive of organism. On the other hand, prolonged stress response is dangerous, e.g. chronically elevated blood pressure or levels blood glucose, sexual disorders, etc. If we know, which factor acts as stressor, we can eliminate or minimized its incidence. In case of transport its better to prefer the shortest way or better weather conditions. It's possible to improve welfare of animals in captivity, e.g. enrichment housing, physical conditions (temperature, humidity, light cycles, etc.), social structure in social animals.