Summary
The aim of the study was to examine the effects of reserpine on the plasma levels
of adrenaline, noradrenaline, Cortisol and alpha-neoendorphin in sheep under control
conditions and during walking exercise. One hour of walking (5 km/h) caused a significant
increase in both catecholamines and Cortisol between 10 and 30 min of stress, and
transiently decreased the level of alpha-neoendorphin at the same time. Reserpine
at the dose of 0.3 mg/kg i.v. given before stress significantly lowered the basal
levels of all tested parameters. A combination of the reserpine and walking exercise
significantly attenuated the stress-induced changes in the plasma level of measured
hormones.
Key words
Reserpine - hormones - stress - sheep
