title: Hypersensitivity of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) to heat, ether, and immobilization.
abstract: The responses to immobilization, ether, and heat of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats (S-D) were compared. Hyperglycemia reached a maximum within 5 min of exposure and was most intense in SHR. There were no differences in the pituitary content of GH or PRL between the SHR and S-D. Circulating GH levels were especially depleted in SHR 15 min post exposure, with rebound to high blood levels at 1 h. Circulating PRL levels were slightly higher in quiescent SHR vs. S-D but surged to much higher levels post exposure in SHR vs. S-D. Postexposure blood corticosterone and aldosterone levels rose to much higher levels in SHR vs. S-D. Although the blood glucose, GH, PRL, corticosterone, and aldosterone levels are similar in hypertensive SHR and normotensive S-D under quiescent conditions, SHR appear to be much more sensitive and respond more vigorously to heat, ether, and immobilization. It is suggested that abnormal activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary system may play a role in the pathogenesis of the genetically programmed hypertension of SHR.
mesh_terms: D000450:Aldosterone / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood; D004986:Ether / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005019:Ethyl Ethers / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006973:Hypertension / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D012737:Sex Factors; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D005019:Ethyl Ethers; D004986:Ether; D000450:Aldosterone; D011388:Prolactin; D013006:Growth Hormone; D003345:Corticosterone