The temporal dynamics of the stress response.
This paper summarises the available evidence that failure of defense mechanisms in (semi)-natural social groups of animals may lead to serious forms of stress pathology. Hence the study of social stress may provide animal models with a high face validity. However, most of the animal models of human stress-disorders have concentrated on the consequences of chronic exposure to stressors. The present paper considers recent data, indicating that a single experience with a major stressor in the form of social defeat may have long-term consequences ranging from hours to days and weeks. It seems that the experience of a major stressor sensitizes the animal to subsequent stressors. The consequences of these long-term temporal dynamics of the stress response to the development of stress-related disorders and stress-vulnerability are discussed.
Koolhaas
J M
JM
Department of Animal Physiology, University of Groningen, Haren, The Netherlands.
Meerlo
P
P
De Boer
S F
SF
Strubbe
J H
JH
Bohus
B
B
D000374:Aggression / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors