Changes in Corticosterone Levels after Severe Stress in the Rat

Abstract

Fluoro-metric measurement of free plasma corticosterone in rats after sustaining a burn in 70[degree] C water indicated an increased concentration at three hours after stress with a gradual return toward normal by 48 hours after stress. Hematocrit values and average plasma volumes indicated the greatest hemoconcentration at three hours after stress. Volume of tissue fluid obtained from edematous areas was largest at twelve hours after stress. Measurements of free corticosterone in "burn tissue fluid" indicated that the maximum value occurred at three hours after stress.