EFFECTS OF XYLAZINE (ALPHA 2-ADRENERGIC AGONIST) ON THE STRESS RESPONSE TO IMMOBILIZATION AND HEAT IN RATS

The effect of xylazine administration on plasma cortisol, prolactin, glucose and packed cell volume (PCV) responses to immobilization and heat stress was investigated. Immobilization of rats for 2 hours by ligation of the fore and hind legs strongly caused approximately two-fold increase in plasma cortisol and prolactin levels. Plasma glucose and PCV were not significantly changed. Pretreatment of immobilized rats with xylazine (20 mg/kg body weight i.m.) resulted in approximately 20% reduction in both plasma cortisol and prolactin concentrations. A marked hyperglycemia and increase in the PCV value was observed. On the other hand, rats exposed to acute heat stress ($40^{\circ}C$, and 60% relative humidity) for 2 hours, also developed two fold increase in both plasma cortisol and prolactin concentrations and the pretreatment with xylazine caused a 20% reduction in the levels of both hormones. Plasma glucose level was not significantly changed in heat stressed rats but it was markedly increased after pretreatment with xylazine. PCV was significantly incrcased under heat stress and pretreatment with xylazine induced a pronounced elevation in this value. It was suggested that stimulation of cortisol and prolactin secretion in response to immobilization or heat stress can be partially reduced by an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist.