Peripheral Vasoconstriction Induced By Emotional Stress in Rats

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Abstract
Exaggerated and prolonged peripheral vasoconstriction was produced in response to cold during an experimental attempt to induce arthritis by frustration of activity in rats conditioned to be hyperactive. When kept relatively immobile, the conditioned rats developed lower paw temperatures and showed less adaptation when exposed to cold than did control animals. A similar result was seen in rats exposed to an unsuccessful shock-avoidance stress. The results may have a bearing on Raynaud''s phenomenon, which is often associated with emotional stress and connective tissue disease.