Relationship of conditioned anxiety to stomach ulceration and acidity in rats.

Abstract

Tested the effects of conditioned anxiety on gastric ulceration (Exp. I) and acidity (Exp. II). SS were 24 male rats and 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. Contrary to the view that conditioned anxiety promotes ulcer formation, both ulceration and acidity of conditioned groups of rats were not greater than those of controls. Findings are considered in the framework of the physiological influences of the sympathetic system on gastric functions. It is concluded that the inhibitory effects of sympathetic activity on gastric secretions which are usually associated with acute anxiety do not provide support for a positive relationship between conditioned anxiety and gastric ulceration. (17 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)