Stress correlates of hand preference in rhesus macaques.
In this research we examined stress-related correlates of hand preference in monkeys. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that stress reactivity and plasma levels of the stress hormone cortisol are developmentally related to handedness in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We found a significant positive correlation between cortisol levels sampled in juveniles and the frequency of right- versus left-hand use sampled in these same animals during adulthood. Right-hand preference was negatively correlated with stress reactivity. These data are consistent with the view that stress functioning and reactivity are associated with the development of hemispheric specialization in primates.
Division of Research and Development, LABS of Virginia Inc., Yemassee, SC, USA. gwprimate@aol.com
G C
GC
Westergaard
I D
ID
Lussier
S J
SJ
Suomi
J D
JD
Higley
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008253:Macaca mulatta / Q000502:physiology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000097:blood*
D006854:Hydrocortisone