Effects of social stress on behavior and corpus luteum in female golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

Author(s): Riek, M., Gattermann, R.

Journal/Book: Physiol Behav. 2000; 68: the Boulevard Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford Ox5 1GB, England. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 625-630.

Abstract: The consequences of group-keeping as a social stressor on the solitary-living golden hamster were studied. Two females at the same stage of the estrous cycle were kept together for 5 weeks. Behavioral observations showed that the dominance structures within groups were unstable. Intensity of aggression was highest at metestrous, whereas the greatest activity was observed during the estrous stage. After 1 week, the body masses of singly kept and group-kept hamsters were different. Five weeks after the onset of the experiment, the body mass of the singly kept hamsters had increased by 3.6%, and that of the group-kept hamsters by 25%. The plasma progesterone level of group-kept females was 60 to 70% higher than that of singly kept females. The absolute masses of the adrenal glands and the ovaries were higher in group-kept females. Nevertheless, the relative masses did not differ. Whereas a significant positive correlation between the weights of both organs and the body mass was observed in singly kept females, in group-kept females such a correlation was only observed between body and ovary weight. Number and size of corpora lutea were enlarged in group-kept individuals, and this seems to be responsible for elevated plasma progesterone titres. These results indicate social stress in group-kept female hamsters.

Note: Article Fritzsche P, Univ Halle Wittenberg, Inst Zool, Domplatz 4, D-06108 Halle, GERMANY

Keyword(s): golden hamster; social stress; corpus luteum; body mass; ovary; adrenal glands; progesterone; ESTROUS-CYCLE; SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR; SYRIAN-HAMSTERS; PROGESTERONE; WATERHOUSE; AGGRESSION; OBESITY; RHYTHM; MICE

Zurück | Weiter