This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Self-injurious behavior (SIB) occurs in humans and non-human primates alike, and is marked by HPA axis alterations. This project further investigated the underlying mechanisms of these alterations and provided data from a new method of analysis. Hair samples were collected immediately prior to and four months following a relocation. Serum samples were collected immediately prior to, and one week following relocation. The physiological response to relocation was clearly demonstrated with hair analysis; post-move cortisol concentration (mean=39.5 ng/mg) was significantly elevated compared to pre-move (mean=25.3 ng/mg, p less than 0.02). Conversely, serum corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) concentrations significantly decreased following relocation (means: pre=50.0 microg/ml, post=43.1 microg/ml; p less than 0.005), leading to a negative correlation between post-move CBG concentrations and post-move hair cortisol concentrations (R=-0.447, p less than 0.05). Post-move CBG concentrations were also negatively correlated with age of initial individual housing (R=-0.480, p less than 0.001). These data demonstrate that hair can be used to analyze stress reactivity in rhesus monkeys over substantial periods of time. Changes in hair cortisol are likely to reflect the combined contributions of altered cortisol production and fluctuations in circulating CBG through its regulatory effects on the availability of free cortisol for deposition in the hair shaft.
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