Honors Theses
Date of Award
2005
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Kenneth Sufka
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
This purpose of this study was to quantify both behavioral and biological markers of stress (i.e. distress vocalizations, plasma corticosterone) in the chick stress-separation paradigm. In this study, chicks were isolated from companions for either 5,10,15,20,40, or 60 minutes and distress vocalizations were recorded. In addition, one group was tested in the presence of social companions for 60 minutes. Blood was collected from half of the subjects immediately following the testing period and was also collected in a no-test group to establish plasma corticosterone basal levels. Isolation produced a significant elevation in distress vocalizations and corticosterone. The pattern of distress vocalizations in isolated chicks was characterized by initial elevation, gradual decline, and subsequent low levels indicated learned helplessness. Levels of plasma corticosterone in isolated chicks were characterized by elevation for the duration of the test session. A positive relationship exists between distress vocalizations and plasma corticosterone. These findings further establish validity for the chick learned helplessness model of depression.
Recommended Citation
Cartwright, Courtney M., "Corticosterone Response in a Learned Helplessness Model of Depression" (2005). Honors Theses. 2186.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2186
Accessibility Status
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