Abstract
The effect of the presence either of a familiar or non-familiar conspecific animal on serum corticosterone and some behavioral responses in the open field was studied in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals tested in presence of a familiar animal showed a higher corticosterone response and a higher defecation rate. It suggests that rats experienced more emotional reactivity in presence of a familiar animal than in presence of a non-familiar one. Time spent in social interaction was higher in non-familiar pairs; however, ambulation and rearing were lower, suggesting competition between social investigation and novel environment exploration. © 1983 Birkhäuser Verlag.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1316-1317 |
Journal | Experientia |
Volume | 39 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 1983 |