Effect of corticosterone and hydrocortisone on some indicators of anxiety.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Following administration of hydrocortisone, corticosterone and saline, respectively, 3 different anxiety instruments were administered to each of 18 normal subjects. In addition, plasma levels of hydrocortisone and corticosterone were assessed before, during and after each infusion. In general, administration of corticosterone and hydrocortisone tended to modestly increase anxiety scores on all 3 test instruments as compared to the saline control, with the corticosterone treatment exerting a greater effect than hydrocortisone. Plasma levels of corticosterone and hydrocortisone were elevated significantly by the appropriate treatments as compared to the saline treatment. However, administration of hydrocortisone was accompanied by a significant increase in plasma corticosterone level as well. Multiple correlation of the 3 anxiety indicators with plasma corticosterone level, but not plasma hydrocortisone level, was significant following hydrocortisone administration; multiple correlation with plasm...