Hormonal and cardiovascular variations during a public lecture.

A long-time electrocardiogram over a period of 12 h was recorded from ten test persons without cardiovascular diseases, and their blood pressure was checked at regular intervals on the day of a public speech. In order to determine plasma concentrations of epinephrine, norepinephrine, cortisol, human growth hormone (hGH), prolactin and gastrin, blood samples were taken from the subjects by inserting a venous catheter in the morning. The levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol were also examined in urine collected from the volunteers. During the public speech there was a distinct increase in blood pressure and pulse rate. Epinephrine and cortisol showed the clearest increase in serum and collected urine, whereas norepinephrine, prolactin, hGH and gastrin reacted less strongly. The epinephrine/norepinephrine ratio value is discussed as a parameter for psychomental and emotional strain.