[Genetic problems of stress. V. The genetics of adrenal cortical reactivity in emotional stress in rats].

Genetic analysis of adrenocortical reactivity (the level of plasma corticosterone and secretion of the adrenal gland in vitro) was carried out under conditions of emotional stress in three inbred strains of rats (Wistar, August, Sprague-Dawley) and in their F1 reciprocal hybrids. The basal adrenocortical function was similar in genotypes studied. However, significant genotype-dependent variability was demonstrated under conditions of stress stimulation. The variability of adrenal secretion in vitro was mediated by genes displaying an additive action, while variability in the level of plasma corticosterone included components both of general combining ability and of specific combining ability. Also, the role of a reciprocal effect was noted. The peculiarities of genetic determination of adrenocortical reactivity to emotional stress are discussed.