Abstract
Experiments have been carried out in which duration of drug response has been measured in male rats stressed by unilateral hindleg ligation. The duration of response to hexobarbital, pentobarbital, meprobamate and zoxazolamine is significantly reduced in stressed animals, as measured by period of loss of the righting reflex, whereas that to barbital and phenobarbital is unaffected. It was not possible to influence the duration of response to hexobarbital in adrenalectomized, hypophysectomized or morphine-pretreated rats suggesting that the effects of stress on drug response are mediated over the pituitaryadrenal axis. Pretreatment of rats with ACTH or corticosterone simulated the effects of stress in producing a shortening of response to hexobarbital.
It is suggested that the pituitary-adrenal axis serves a regulatory function with respect to duration of drug responses which may be mediated by an alteration of drug metabolism.
Footnotes
- Accepted November 12, 1964.
- The Williams & Wilkins Comapny
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