Changes In Cortisol Concentrations Research Articles

Associations between immune competence phenotype and stress response in sheep

Immune competence in domestic sheep is gaining more attention in genetic selection programs that seek to enhance flock immunity and animal welfare. A goal of many programs is to identify behavioral phenotypes that indicate stress-coping strength, as well as disease resilience. The current study set out to explore the relationship between immune responsiveness, physiological stress, and behavioral response among sheep that had been selected for ‘low’ (LR) or ‘high’ (HR) response to cell-mediated and antibody-mediate reactivity to a clostridial vaccine. Multiparous ewes were placed in four experiments which exposed the animals to various threats including, dog presence, human proximity, visual isolation from flock, and physical restraint. To evaluate the consistency of behavioral phenotypes, all ewes were placed in the test circuit one year later. Basal body temperature (via iButton) and serum cortisol concentrations were collected prior to and after the circuit each year. Immune group (HR vs. LR) was not found to be related to behavioral performance during the dog, human, isolation, or restraint challenge. Immune group categorization was also unrelated to pre- and post-cortisol concentrations, and the change in cortisol concentrations during testing. There was a negative relationship identified between response to visual isolation and change in cortisol response during testing, indicating that sheep which were more active or agitated during visual isolation from the flock experienced less of an increase in serum cortisol levels and were perhaps experiencing a negative, high arousal state compared to less reactive sheep (e.g., freeze behavior) (χ2(4, N=99) = 42.72, P <0.0001). There was also a post hoc, positive relationship identified between weight measurements and immune group, such that individuals with greater body weight were more likely to be in the high immune responsiveness group (P= 0.01). Specifically, for every unit increase in weight, there was a ~49% chance of being categorized in the HR group. This is relevant for selection programs because producers that seek to enhance immune responsiveness and performance may be able to select sheep that carry a greater body mass, and while not found in the present study, could lead to greater flock immunity.

Effect of receiving mobile text messages on cortisol concentrations in students at the University of the Free State.

Texting has become central to social life, with adverse effects on physiological functioning. Research into the impact of texting on cortisol secretion is limited. Thus study aimed to determine how receiving mobile text messages affected salivary cortisol concentrations and investigate the moderating effects of stress, anxiety and depression on cortisol secretion. Undergraduate physiology students attending physiology lectures at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, 2016. An experimental, crossover, quantitative design was used. Participants were involved over two consecutive days, receiving mobile text messages (intervention) on one day and acting as their own control on the other. Self-reported data on stress, anxiety, depression and subjective experience of the study, and saliva samples were collected. Text frequency and wording (neutral, positive, negative) were varied among participants. Forty-eight students participated in the study. Salivary cortisol concentrations did not differ significantly between the intervention and control days. High anxiety levels were associated with increased cortisol concentrations. No associations with cortisol concentrations were documented in low to moderate anxiety, stress, depression or how participants experienced the intervention. There were no significant differences between text frequency, text emotion and change in cortisol concentrations on the intervention day. Receiving mobile text messages did not elicit a significant cortisol response in participants. Findings added to the body of knowledge about the effect of texting on student learning by measuring salivary cortisol concentrations in a lecture setting, with investigation into the moderating effects of stress, anxiety, depression and participants' subjective experience.

Prolonged Extreme Cold Water Diving and the Acute Stress Response During Military Dive Training

Introduction: Cold water exposure poses a unique physiological challenge to the human body. Normally, water submersion increases activation of parasympathetic tone to induce bradycardia in order to compensate for hemodynamic shifts and reduce oxygen consumption by peripheral tissues. However, elevated stress, such as that which may occur due to prolonged cold exposure, may shift the sympatho-vagal balance towards sympathetic activation which may potentially negate the dive reflex and impact thermoregulation. Objective: To quantify the acute stress response during prolonged extreme cold water diving and to determine the influence of acute stress on thermoregulation. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one (n = 21) subjects tasked with cold water dive training participated. Divers donned standard diving equipment and fully submerged to a depth of ≈20 feet, in a pool chilled to 4°C, for a 9-h training exercise. Pre- and post-training measures included: core and skin temperature; salivary alpha amylase (AA), cortisol (CORT), osteocalcin (OCN), testosterone (TEST) and dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA); body weight; blood glucose, lactate, and ketones. Results: Core, skin, and extremity temperature decreased (p < 0.001) over the 9-h dive; however, core temperature was maintained above the clinical threshold for hypothermia and was not correlated to body size (p = 0.595). There was a significant increase in AA (p < 0.001) and OCN (p = 0.021) and a significant decrease in TEST (p = 0.003) over the duration of the dive. An indirect correlation between changes in cortisol concentrations and changes in foot temperature (ρ = -0.5,p = 0.042) were observed. There was a significant positive correlation between baseline OCN and change in hand temperature (ρ = 0.66, p = 0.044) and significant indirect correlation between changes in OCN concentrations and changes in hand temperature (ρ = -0.59, p = 0.043). Conclusion: These data suggest that long-duration, cold water diving initiates a stress response—as measurable by salivary stress biomarkers—and that peripheral skin temperature decreases over the course of these dives. Cumulatively, these data suggest that there is a relationship between the acute stress response and peripheral thermoregulation.

Stressor-Induced Temporal Cortisol Deficiency as a Primary Trigger for Adaptation to Stress.

Background: Inconsistencies in measurements of cortisol response to stress have caused disagreements in the direction of the change in cortisol concentrations immediately after the onset of stress. Researchers typically observe increased cortisol levels in response to a stressor, perceiving occasional decreases as a sign of possible disorders. Reports indicate the relative ease of standardizing a physical stressor compared with a mental stressor, and cross-stressor adaptation is observable only in elite athletes. Methods: We investigated the cortisol response to top-intensity physical exertion by analyzing the course of the cortisol response, the changes in this response resulting from adaptation to intense exercise, and the possible convergence between the cortisol changes and body fat content. We examined 16 male athletes, members of the Polish National Rowing Team, competing in the World Rowing Championships, in top form, of an average training experience of seven years. The measurements were performed before and after the training camp preparatory to the Championships. We performed the measurements before and after the training camp preparatory to the Championships. Results: Before the camp, the athletes consistently reacted to the exertion test with a decrease in cortisol concentration and elevated cortisol levels after rest compared with baseline. After the camp, the post-exertion cortisol decrease as well as the post-rest cortisol elevation was much smaller and less consistent. Conclusions: The transient decrease in cortisol concentration at the onset of stress thus represents a physiological reaction, and the stress response counteracts the resulting cortisol deficiency to support cortisol availability during stress. Adaptation to stress enhanced this counteracting effect by (1) increasing the baseline cortisol concentration and (2) speeding up the response to its decline. This enhanced effect was boosted by adipose tissue.

Cortisol Levels in Infants with Central Coordination Disorders during Vojta Therapy.

Background: Due to the decrease in the percentage of perinatal mortality, which is one of the Millennium Development Goals, the number of children with a central coordination disorder (CCD) has increased, present in up to 40% of premature babies. Neurodevelopmental disorders detected in the diagnostic process require early interventions that will eliminate or overcome existing dysfunctions. These treatments often cause discomfort in the infant, which induces insecurity and activation of basic defense mechanisms. The aim of the work is to assess changes in cortisol concentration in infants treated with the Vojta method. Methods and findings: The study included 35 children with CCD aged between three and nine months. The participants had no comorbidities that could have affected the obtained results. The activities were planned to occur in three stages: 1. Collection of a saliva sample directly before the physiotherapy appointment. 2. Collection of saliva immediately after rehabilitation. 3. Collection of saliva 20 min after the end of rehabilitation. The physiotherapeutic intervention included the assessment of seven reactions of the body position in space according to Vojta and the conduct of a therapeutic session consisting of the first phase of rotation and creeping reflex according to Vojta. The concentration of free cortisol in saliva was assessed with LC-MS/MS. In the first measurement, none of the children presented an excess of the normative concentration of cortisol. The cortisol measurement performed directly after rehabilitation showed above-normative values in three children. In the third measurement, all of the children presented a decreased concentration of free cortisol. The analysis (paired two-tailed t-test, p < 0.05) showed statistically significant differences between particular stages of the measurements. The analysis of the scores obtained in the second measurement showed the concentration of scores in the area of “normal” at a level of 0.83 (normal concentration) and the area “above normal” at the level of 0.005 (very weak concentration). Based on the analysis of significance of the obtained scores, it was found that the result was not accidental, and the Vojta method used in the treatment of children with CCD was suitable. Conclusions: Here, for the first time, we presented how Vojta therapy was correlated with cortisol levels among children with a central coordination disorder.

Effects of a Bacopa monnieri extract (Bacognize®) on stress, fatigue, quality of life and sleep in adults with self-reported poor sleep: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

In this 28-day, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 100 adults with self-reported poor sleep received either a placebo or a standardised Bacopa monnieri extract (150 mg twice daily). Outcome measures included the Bergen Insomnia Scale (primary outcome measure), Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Diary, Short Form-36 Health Survey, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Changes in salivary concentrations of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, immunoglobulin A (sIgA), α-amylase (sAA), C-reactive protein, melatonin, and the fatigue biomarker index were also assessed. Based on the Bergen Insomnia Scale, Bacopa monnieri did not improve sleep patterns more than the placebo; however, it was associated with greater improvements in emotional wellbeing, general health, and pain-related symptoms. Bacopa monnieri was also associated with greater reductions in sIgA and sAA compared to the placebo. Future clinical trials using varying doses, treatment periods, and objective outcome measures will be important to validate these findings.

Beneficial Effects of Intravenous Magnesium Administration During Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Robotic radical prostatectomy requires prolonged pneumoperitoneum and a steep Trendelenburg position. Magnesium can attenuate the stress response and hemodynamic perturbations. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intravenous magnesium administration on hemodynamics and the stress response in patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy. In this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study, 52 patients undergoing robotic radical prostatectomy were randomized into two groups: 26 in the magnesium group and 26 in the control group. The patients in the magnesium group received magnesium sulfate 50mg/kg intravenously, followed by infusion at a rate of 10mg/kg/h during surgery. The patients in the control group received an equal volume of 0.9% saline. The primary outcomes were the changes in heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during surgery. The serum stress hormones (adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) were also measured. MAP showed a significant intergroup difference over time (Pgroup*time = 0.017); it increased significantly at 5min after Trendelenburg position in the control group and decreased significantly at 30min after Trendelenburg position in the magnesium group. The intergroup difference in the change in cortisol concentrations was significant over time (Pgroup*time = 0.006). The cortisol concentration decreased significantly from baseline to 24h after surgery in the magnesium group but did not change significantly in the control group. The requirement for intraoperative remifentanil was 35% lower in the magnesium group (P = 0.011), and the severity of postoperative pain at 30min and 6h after surgery was also lower in the magnesium group (P = 0.024 and P = 0.015). There is a possibility that intravenous magnesium administration during robotic radical prostatectomy reduces the increases in arterial pressure, cortisol concentrations, opioid requirements, and postoperative pain. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02833038.

ДИНАМИКА КОРТИЗОЛА И ТЕСТОТЕРОНА В КРОВИ НЕТЕЛЕЙ РАЗНЫХ ПОРОД

The paper presents the results of a study of the dynamics of testosterone and cortisol in 40 heifers of different breeds (Holstein black-and-white breed, Simmental breed, Aberdeen-Angus breed, crossbred animals. 10 heads from each breed.All experimental groups of heifers were analogous in age and term of pregnancy. The conditions for raising animals were the same and corresponded to their zootechnical feeding standards. The hormones cortisol and testosterone were determined by the enzyme immunoassay. The results of the conducted studies showed that before insemination, a slightly higher concentration of testosterone was observed in crossbred animals (Aberdeen-Angus x Simmental) and was 4.7±0.4 nmol/l. This indicator was relatively lower in black – and-white heifers and was 3.6±0.4 nmol/l. Significant changes in it were observed at 5 months of pregnancy.By the 5th month of pregnancy, the concentration of testosterone in all experimental groups increased approximately 2 times. There is a significant difference between crossbreeds, Simmental and black-and-white breeds at 5 months of pregnancy (р&lt;0.05). More pronounced interbreeding differences were observed from the 6th month of pregnancy to the last month of pregnancy. At 6, 7, 8, 9 months of pregnancy between black – and-white heifers and crossbred animals, the testosterone level was statistically significant (р&lt;0.05). Interbreed differences in the level of testosterone in the blood of experimental animals indicate the features of the testosterone-synthesizing system of different breeds, which is probably determined at the gene level. An increase in the concentration of testosterone in the blood of heifers indicates its participation in the processes of fetal formation and the reaction of the testosterone-synthesizing system of the mother’s body to the course of pregnancy. Differences in the level of testosterone in the blood of Black-and-white, Simmental, Aberdeen-Angus breeds and crossbreeds indicate the breed characteristics of the testosterone-synthesizing system, which is possibly determined at the gene level. Changes in cortisol concentration were similar to changes in testosterone. It should be noted that the highest levels of cortisol in the second half of pregnancy were consistently maintained in cross-bred heifers in relation to the black-and-white and Simmental breeds. At the 9th month of pregnancy, local weeks were statistically significantly higher than black-and-white and Simmental weeks (р&lt;0.05). During pregnancy, the level of cortisol in the blood of heifers had ambiguous indicators and depended on the month of pregnancy and the breed affiliation of the animals. The increase in cortisol in the blood during pregnancy is obviously due to the effect of estrogens on the female body. Thus, we believe that as a result of pregnancy, the synthesis of α-glycoprotein increases, which binds to cortisol, contributing to an increase in its life in the blood and contributing to an increase in the concentration of total cortisol.

Use of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in gynecological simultaneous operations

The effectiveness of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in gynecological simultaneous operations was studied in 65 patients. The average age of the patients was 51,56 years. The parameters of external respiration, hemodynamics, norepinephrine excretion, and changes in cortisol concentration were studied. The use of CSEA has a pronounced protective effect against surgical trauma and associated adverse neurohumoral, hemodynamic, and biochemical changes.

Oxytocin alters leukogram composition in

Context Transportation, a common practice in cattle production, activates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, ultimately increasing glucocorticoids and altering the cellular immune system in cattle. Oxytocin attenuates the HPA axis in mammals. Intra-nasal oxytocin supplementation has been investigated in human and rodent models, revealing anxiolytic effects. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of exogenous oxytocin to mitigate stress and inflammatory responses in transported cattle. Aims We hypothesised that Bos indicus cattle treated with intra-nasal oxytocin would demonstrate more stable cortisol and inflammatory responses when subjected to handling and 6 h of road transportation compared with cattle treated with intra-nasal saline. Methods Thirty, Bos indicus steers were allocated to one of three treatments: (1) intra-nasal sterile saline and held in the yard for 6 h (S-NT; n = 10), (2) intra-nasal sterile saline and transported for 6 h (S-T; n = 10), and (3) intra-nasal oxytocin (0.3 IU/kg bodyweight) and transported for 6 h (OXT-T; n = 10). Blood was collected at 0, 6, 48, and 72 h and analysed for haematological parameters, cortisol, glucose and lactate. Key results A treatment × time effect (P &lt; 0.05) was detected for lymphocytes and basophils, such that oxytocin helped maintain baseline counts. A treatment × time effect was detected for neutrophils and eosinophils such that counts were greater and lesser, respectively, directly following transport (P &lt; 0.01) for transported treatments. Total leukocyte counts were not different between treatments (P = 0.96). No differences were observed between treatments or over time for plasma cortisol concentration (P = 0.46). A treatment × time interaction (P &lt; 0.03) was detected for bodyweight such that transportation, independent of intra-nasal treatment, resulted in increased weight loss compared with the non-transported treatment. Conclusion Oxytocin altered circulating basophils in Bos indicus cattle exposed to short-duration transport. Although no effect on the HPA axis was detected via changes in cortisol concentration, road transport induced some signs of an acute inflammatory response directly following transportation. Implications Providing exogenous oxytocin improved the maintenance and recovery of some cellular immune system parameters in Bos indicus steers subject to short duration transport and more research is needed to explicate a more comprehensive understanding of such effects.

Evaluating Stress in Riding Horses: Part One—Behavior Assessment and Serum Cortisol

Stress can impact the health and well-being of animals negatively. Behavioral and physiological changes, particularly serum cortisol, offer objective and easy-to-use methods of evaluating stress in horses. However, limited studies support a positive relationship between changes in stress-related serum cortisol concentrations and stress-related behaviors in horses. This study assessed differences in stress-related behaviors and serum cortisol concentrations in horses used in a therapeutic riding program (TRH) or university riding program (UNI). Riders were grouped by disability type (TRH) or by experience level (UNI) to determine equine stress impacts. Two trained observers evaluated equine behavior during multiple riding lessons. Behaviors were scored live and via video to assess the accuracy of live scoring. Blood samples for serum cortisol concentrations were collected before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after riding lessons. Serum cortisol concentrations decreased from before to after a riding lesson (TRH, P ≤ .01; UNI, P = .0004) and increased over the course of the study (TRH ≤ 0.0002; UNI, P ≤ .0001). All serum cortisol concentrations remained within or below normal ranges. Overall behavior scores were relatively low in horses participating in both riding programs. Similar behavior scores were observed in horses ridden by novice and experienced riders (P ≥ .1662); however, behavior scores differed in TRH horses ridden by one group of disabled riders during a riding lesson (P ≤ .0431). A relationship between stress-related behavior and cortisol concentration changes was not shown clearly, but data suggest that horses were in a low-stress environment.

Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of mifepristone on cognition and depression in alcohol dependence

BackgroundAlcohol dependence is a significant issue contributing to disease burden. Changes in cortisol concentrations during alcohol withdrawal are associated with cognitive deficits and symptoms of depression. Current treatments are only successful for a small proportion of people and do not target cognitive deficits and symptoms of depression experienced by those who are alcohol dependent. The aim of this research is to determine the potential efficacy of mifepristone, a type II glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, to prevent symptoms of depression and cognitive deficits following alcohol detoxification.MethodsThis was a phase 2 therapeutic use trial. It was a double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial of mifepristone versus inactive placebo treatment. The trial aimed to recruit 120 participants who met the inclusion criteria: (1) male, (2) aged 18–60 years inclusive, and (3) alcohol dependent for 5 or more years. Participants were randomised to 600 mg a day mifepristone (200 mg morning, afternoon, and evening) for 7 days and 400 mg for the subsequent 7 days (200 mg morning and evening) or the equivalent number of placebo tablets for 14 days. Primary outcome measures were cognitive function (measured using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)) and symptoms of depression (measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)) at 4 weeks post-randomisation.ResultsDifficulties recruiting participants due to significant changes in the provision of inpatient care for alcohol dependence resulted in only 27 participants recruited to the trial, with data available for 21 participants. Fourteen participants were randomised to receive mifepristone and 13 to receive placebo.ConclusionLarger trials would be needed to draw conclusions about the efficacy of mifepristone.Trial registrationISRCTN registry ISRCTN54001953. Registered on 29 September 2011.

Effect of colony disruption and social isolation on naked mole-rat endocrine correlates

The social environment of animals can have profound implications on their behaviour and physiology. Naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber) are highly social with complex dominance hierarchies that influence both stress- and reproduction-related hormones. Homeostasis may be affected by aggressive interactions, colony instability and social isolation. Furthermore, naked mole-rat colonies are characterised by a marked reproductive skew; a single female and few males are reproductively active while other colony members are reproductively suppressed. Thus, there are distinct differences in related hormone concentrations between reproductively active and non-active animals; however, this changes when non-reproductive individuals are removed from the colony. We investigated the effects of social isolation and colony disruption on plasma cortisol and progesterone concentrations in non-breeding naked mole-rats. During colony disruption, we found a significant increase in cortisol concentrations in females removed from the colony for social isolation (experimental) as well as in females that remained in the colony (control). Cortisol concentrations were reduced in both groups after experimental animals were paired up. No changes in cortisol concentrations were observed in control or experimental males after removal from the colony or pairing. This suggests that the females, but not the males, found colony disruption and social isolation stressful. Upon removal from the colony, both control and experimental females showed a small increase in progesterone, which returned to basal levels again in the control animals. Experimental females showed a dramatic spike in progesterone when they were paired with males, indicating reproductive activation. The sex difference in the stress responses may be due to the stronger reproductive suppression imposed on females, or the increased likelihood of dispersal for males. It is clear that the social environment reflects on the endocrine correlates of animals living in a colony, and that the colony structure may affect the sensitivity of the animals to changes in their environment.

Stressed by Maternity: Changes of Cortisol Level in Lactating Domestic Cats.

Simple SummaryMilk feeding is the most important part of maternal care in the first weeks of the offspring’s life as it contributes to growth and development of the young, but at considerable energetic expense to the mother. One of the indicators that can be used to assess the physiological state of the female is the cortisol level relating to the stress of animals. Presumably, the more offspring there are in the litter, the higher the level of stress on the mother and, accordingly, the higher the cortisol concentrations. This study presents our data obtained in domestic cats whose litter size varied from 1 to 7 kittens. We found that the highest cortisol concentrations were observed at the peak of lactation, i.e., in 4 weeks of kittens’ life, when the offspring’s milk needs were at maximum. Moreover, during the period of offspring’s growth, the hormone level was higher in females with 1–3 kittens. In addition, cortisol concentrations in less productive cats were very high, even before mating.Lactation is the most energetically expensive component of maternal care in mammals. Increased reproductive investment can lead to physiological stress for the mothers, based on the exhaustion of energy resources and increase in glucocorticoids level. This study aimed to estimate the changes in cortisol concentrations during lactation in domestic cats and compared the differences among litter sizes. Eleven females gave birth to 27 litters, which were divided in two groups—small (1–3 kittens) and large (4–7 kittens) litters. Blood samples were collected from each female before mating, after parturition, at 4 and 8 weeks of lactation. We showed that the cortisol level in females changed significantly during lactation—the highest concentrations were observed at the peak of lactation at 4 weeks. Cortisol levels varied significantly among females but did not depend on their maternal experience. We also revealed that there were no differences in cortisol levels between females with small and large litters, but at 4 weeks of lactation, the hormone concentrations were higher in females with small litters. It is likely that these females initially invested less in reproduction, giving birth to fewer offspring.

Exercise Time and Intensity: How Much Is Too Much?

To correlate salivary hormones and time in varying heart-rate (HR) zones. The hypothesis was that chronic exercise durations >9% of total exercise time in the >90% maximum HR zone would lead to decreased variation in salivary cortisol concentration after exercise in a 2-bout high-intensity protocol compared with less or more time in this zone. A total of 35 healthy adults who regularly exercised for an average of 8hours per week recorded their HR during every training session for 3 weeks. Later, they completed an experimental day composed of two 30-minute high-intensity interval sessions separated by 4hours of nonactive recovery. The authors collected saliva samples before, immediately following, and 30minutes after each exercise session to assess changes in cortisol concentrations. There was a correlation between weekly time training at an intensity >90% maximum HR and the variables associated with overtraining. Salivary cortisol concentration fluctuated less in the participants who exercised in this extreme zone for >40minutes per week (P < .001). Based on the current study data, for individuals who regularly exercise, 4% to 9% total training time above 90% maximum HR is the ideal duration to maximize fitness and minimize symptoms related to overreaching.

Flotation-restricted environmental stimulation therapy improves sleep and performance recovery in athletes

ObjectiveThe purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of flotation-restricted environmental stimulation therapy (FLOAT) on recovery from exercise. MethodsNineteen trained, male team-sport athletes (age: 21 ± 2 years) completed two trials separated by seven days; FLOAT, which included one-hour of FLOAT recovery following exercise, and CON, which included one-hour of passive recovery following exercise. Performance and pressure-to-pain algometer measures were taken pre and post exercise and the following morning. Performance measures included an isometric mid-thigh pull, countermovement jump (CMJ), a 15 m sprint, and a repeated sprint test. Perceived measures of muscle soreness (MS) and physical fatigue (PF) were recorded up to 24 h post testing. Salivary cortisol samples were collected pre and post exercise and post recovery. Sleep was monitored via wrist-actigraphy. ResultsFLOAT was found to significantly enhance CMJ (p = 0.05), 10 m sprint (p = 0.01) and 15 m sprint performance (p = 0.05) with small to moderate effects (d = 0.21–0.68) for all performance measures, except CMJ (unclear), compared to CON. The results also show significantly higher pressure-to-pain thresholds across all muscle sites (p’s < 0.01) and lower MS and PF 12 h following FLOAT (p < 0.05). All sleep measures resulted in small to large effects (d = 0.20–0.87) with a significantly greater perceived sleep quality (p = 0.001) for the FLOAT trial compared to CON. There were no significant differences and a trivial effect size between trials for changes in cortisol concentration. ConclusionFLOAT may prove to be an effective method of exercise recovery, improving aspects of performance, pressure-to-pain threshold, perceived MS and PF, and sleep quality.

Sex Differences in Salivary Oxytocin and Cortisol Concentration Changes during Cooking in a Small Group.

Background: Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide, has positive effects on social and emotional processes during group activities. Because cooking is an integrated process in the cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional areas, cooking in a group is reported to improve emotion and cognition. However, evidence for efficacy in group cooking has not been well established at the biological level. Methods: To address this shortcoming, we first measured salivary levels of OT and cortisol (CORT), a biomarker of psychological stress, before and after group cooking for approximately 1 h by people who know each other in healthy married or unmarried men and women. We then compared the initial OT and CORT concentrations with those during individual non-cooking activities in isolation. Results: Baseline OT concentrations before group and non-group sessions did not significantly differ and OT levels increased after both types of activity in men and women. In men, however, the percentage changes of OT levels in the first over the second saliva samples were significantly small during cooking compared with those in individual activities. In women, however, such a difference was not observed. In contrast, the mean salivary CORT concentrations after group cooking were significantly decreased from the baseline level in both sexes, though such decreases were not significant after individual activity sessions. The sex-specific differences were marital-status independent. Conclusion: These results indicate that OT and CORT concentrations after two activity sessions by a familiar group changed in opposite directions in a sex-specific manner. This suggests that, because cooking is experience-based, we need to consider the sex-specific features of group cooking if we apply it for intervention.

F83. Full 10–20 EEG application in hospitalised infants is not associated with an increase in stress hormone levels

Introduction Neonatal EEG monitoring in pre-term and full-term infants offers a window onto neurological functioning, and full 10/20 electrode coverage captures important regional organisation. Nevertheless, 10/20 EEG application involves a relatively high level of handling and could be a potential stressor, especially in those infants who are already exhibiting higher stress levels. Salivary cortisol reflects activity of the hypothalamic pituitary axis: increased cortisol concentration indicates increased acute stress. To assess the impact of 10/20 EEG set-up on systemic stress levels in hospitalised infants, we measured salivary cortisol immediately before EEG application, and approximately 15 min after application (median time between swabs: 46 min), based on the latency of stressor-induced changes in cortisol concentration (Ramsay and Lewis, 2003). Methods Subjects included 33 un-sedated infants with gestational age 26 + 4 − 41 + 6 weeks + days (median 36 + 4), corrected age 32 + 3 − 47 + 6 weeks + days (median 37 + 5), and postnatal age 0.5–95 days (median 5 days). Cortisol concentration pre- and post-EEG application was compared with paired Wilcoxon tests. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results Median cortisol concentration pre-EEG application was 0.27 μ g/dL (range 0.09–2.91), and post-EEG application was 0.37 μ g/dL (range 0.03–1.74), values similar to those found in previous studies. There was no difference between cortisol concentration pre- and post-EEG application (p = .201). In particular, this was also the case for vulnerable sub-groups (corrected age: pre-term, n = 13; ward location: special care or high dependency unit, n = 14) (p ⩾ .432). Finally, we investigated whether baseline stress level influenced the effect of EEG application by splitting infants into those with higher pre-EEG cortisol concentration ( ⩾ .25 μ g/dL, n = 17) and lower pre-EEG cortisol concentration ( μ g/dL, n = 16). EEG application was associated with a decrease in cortisol concentration in infants who had a higher concentration at baseline (p = .023; median 0.31 μ g/dL decrease, which is a median 41% decrease in the pre-EEG value), and no change in infants who had a lower cortisol concentration at baseline (p = .120). Conclusion In this study we have shown that EEG application does not necessarily increase stress levels in hospitalised infants. Our findings are reassuring and support our clinical impression (based on behavioural observation, and review of heart rate and pulse oximetry acquired by the neonatal unit monitors where available) that EEG application can be well tolerated by both pre-term and full-term infants. Interestingly, we show that EEG application is actually associated with decreased stress levels in infants with higher cortisol concentration pre-EEG application. In line with this, tactile stimulation of the head and body is associated with decreased stress behaviours in neonates (Hernandez-Reif et al., 2007).

Acquired modification of sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase activity is not related to adrenal insufficiency

BackgroundCongenital sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) lyase deficiency due to biallelic mutations in SGPL1 gene has recently been described in association with primary adrenal insufficiency and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. S1P lyase, on the other hand, is therapeutically inhibited by fingolimod which is an oral drug for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). Effects of this treatment on adrenal function has not yet been evaluated. We aimed to test adrenal function of MS patients receiving long-term fingolimod treatment.MethodsNineteen patients (14 women) with MS receiving oral fingolimod (Gilenya®, Novartis) therapy were included. Median age was 34.2 years (range; 21.3–44.6 years). Median duration of fingolimod treatment was 32 months (range; 6–52 months) at a dose of 0.5 mg/day. Basal and ACTH-stimulated adrenal steroid measurements were evaluated simultaneously employing LC-MS/MS based steroid panel. Basal steroid concentrations were also compared to that of sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. Cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone were used to assess glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid and sex steroid producing pathways, respectively.ResultsBasal ACTH concentrations of the patients were 20.8 pg/mL (6.8–37.8 pg/mL) (normal range; 5–65 pg/mL). There was no significant difference in the basal concentrations of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone between patients and controls (p = 0.11, 0.058, 0.74, 0.15; respectively). All patients showed adequate cortisol response to 250 mcg IV ACTH stimulation (243 ng/mL, range; 197–362 ng/mL). There was no significant correlation between duration of fingolimod treatment and basal or ACTH-stimulated cortisol or change in cortisol concentrations during ACTH stimulation test (p = 0.57, 0.66 and 0.21, respectively).ConclusionModification and inhibition of S1P lyase activity by the long-term therapeutic use of fingolimod is not associated with adrenal insufficiency in adult patients with MS. This suggests that S1P lyase has potentially a critical role on adrenal development rather than the function of a fully mature adrenal gland.

Can you spare 15 min? The measurable positive impact of a 15-min petting session on shelter dog well-being

It is well established that human interaction has positive effects on shelter dogs. This work set out to answer the question: “Does one 15-min petting session make a difference for shelter dogs?” Fifty-five dogs were subject to one 15-min petting session with one of five unfamiliar volunteers, in an observation room at a county animal shelter. Volunteers were instructed to interact with dogs in a controlled manner. Sessions were video recorded for later analysis of dog behavior. Saliva was collected before and after the session to assess change in cortisol concentrations. Cardiac activity was monitored throughout the session. Dog response to the interaction session was variable, but generally positive. Dogs were categorized into one of three interaction categories based on the amount of time they spent in actual physical contact with the volunteer: highly engaged (>75%), moderately engaged (50–75%) or indifferent (<50%). Generalized Linear Mixed models were used to assess changes in behavior or physiology from beginning (minutes 2 & 3) to end (minutes 14 & 15) of the session and also changes in salivary cortisol concentrations from pre- to post-session. There was no significant change in salivary cortisol concentrations (P > 0.05) from pre- to post- session. However, when comparing cardiac activity and behavior from the first two minutes to the last two minutes of the session, dogs had a decrease in heart rate (P < 0.0001), an increase in heart rate variability (HF: P = 0.0006, RMSSD: P = 0.0365, pNN50: P < 0.0001) and changes in behavior (decreases in soliciting contact P = 0.0124, standing P = 0.0225) associated with a positive state of relaxation. Given the results of this study it appears that the answer is: “Yes, 15 min does make a positive difference” for many shelter dogs when that time includes close interaction with a person petting and speaking to them in a calm manner.