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The biobehavioral consequences of psychogenic stress were examined using neuroendocrine
and ethological methods in a captive colony of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus
jacchus). Specifically, hypothalamic—pituitary—adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity was evaluated
as a function of gender and social status in four consecutive social environments
[(1) stable heterosexual pairs; (2) isolation; (3) unstable peer groups; and (4) stable
peer groups], by measuring both basal plasma cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone
(ACTH) and β-endorphin concentrations and responsiveness of these hormones to dexamethasone, ovine
corticotropinreleasing hormone (oCRH), and ACTH1–24. Socially stressful conditions, such as isolation and peer group formation, were
associated with increased HPA axis function and behavioral arousal, and individual
profiles were related to gender and social status. Hormonal levels prior to group
formation predicted subsequent status in peer groups. Basal morning concentrations
of plasma cortisol, as well as cortisol responsiveness to dexamethasone suppression,
were sensitive indices of HPA axis arousal during periods of social stress. The context-dependent
development of hormonal and behavioral profiles, reminiscent of depression and/or
anorexia nervosa, suggests that the common marmoset may be a useful model of psychiatric
hypercortisolism.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 28,
1995
Received:
February 20,
1995
Footnotes
Studies were partially supported by NIH NRSA grant 5F31 MH-0959403.
Identification
Copyright
© 1996 J. Benjamin. Published by Elsevier Inc.
