Endocrine effects of psychological stress associated with neurobehavioral performance testing.
Twenty-four healthy subjects were submitted to a computer-based performance evaluation system. The set of tests required sustained attention, and the last test was expressly designed to cause a moderate, acute psychological stress. Compared to baseline levels, both serum ACTH and beta-endorphins were increased after psychological testing in all subjects. Serum prolactin showed a slight and statistically nonsignificant decrease compared to baseline values. These results question the belief that psychological stress stimulates prolactin secretion, whereas it suggests that serum ACTH and beta-endorphins are reliable indicators of acute psychological stress.
Mutti
A
A
Institute of Clinical Medicine and Nephrology, University of Parma, Italy.
Ferroni
C
C
Vescovi
P P
PP
Bottazzi
R
R
Selis
L
L
Gerra
G
G
Franchini
I
I
D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood; D000328:Adult; D006728:Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011581:Psychological Tests; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000097:blood
D006728:Hormones; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D011388:Prolactin