ACTH release during passive avoidance behavior.
ACTH was measured by radioimmunoassay during learning and retention of a passive avoidance response. Electric footshock, used during the learning trial, appeared to be a weaker stimulus for ACTH release than was the retention test. Moreover high latency scores during retention were associated with high plasma ACTH levels, whereas shorter latencies were associated with lower levels. The results indicate that psychological mechanisms organizing behavioral coping are important in the response of the pituitary-adrenocortical system to stimuli which are related to a previous adversive experience.
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D004597:Electroshock; D005528:Foot; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone