Effect of stress and sampling site on metabolite concentration in rat plasma.

Abstract

The effect of mild stress on various plasma metabolites in the rat has been studied. Mild stress resulted in significant decreases in liver size and glycogen content, as well as in an increase of blood glucose. In addition, plasma lactate, insulin, glycerol and urea, as well as a number of amino acids were altered by stress. These data indicate that minimal stress can have major effects upon the composition of blood, and suggest the need for strict rrecautions on the handling of animals during blood sampling. The site of blood extraction - tail tip i•s. neck - was also found to have a significant effect on plasma lactate. glucosi! and urea concentrations. In stressed animals the differences between tail- and neck blood composition were increased.