By the method of electric flicker, the effects of various stressors, such as noise, exercise, etc. were investigated with special reference to the pituitary-adrenocortical system. The subjects used were healthy 5 males and 5 females.
1. Electric flicker values (EFVs) were measured immediately before and after exposure to noise of 110 db lasting for 3 hours. For comparison, urinary 17 K. S. and blood eosinophil numbers were measured in parallel. EFVs increased significantly by noise, while significant decreases were found in urinary 17 K. S. and eosinophil count.
2. These changes could be prevented by ACTH (20mg.) administered intramuscularly.
3. As a stressor, a steptest was used in stead of noise, and similar results were obtained.
4. It was shown that Prae-hormon (500 R. U.) had a preventive effect, too, but its cumulative action was remarkable; the increase in EFVs in response to a strong pure ton (500 cps and 70 db) was as remarkable as in control on the first and second days of Prae-hormon administration, but the response became progressively smaller as the same treatment with Prae-hormon was repeated further.
5. This relation was confirmed further with a steptest as a stressor. From these facts, it was concluded that the EFV is a sensitive indicator of the general reaction to stress in the sense of Selye.
The author has pleasure in acknowledging his indebteness to Prof. K. Motokawa who has guided him kindly.
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