[Effect of long-lasting noise on the plasma concentration of catecholamines, glucocorticosteroids and PBI in pigs].

Exposure of pigs with a body mass of 25-30 kg to long-lasting motor noise (108 dB, 60-8000 Hz, 72 hours) results in a considerable increase of catecholamine concentration in the plasma. Coincidently there is a sharp continuous decrease of the 11-OHKS in the plasma during the whole period of exposure to noise. Immediately after stopping the acoustic irritation the concentration of plasma corticosteroids increases again. The electroencephalogram (EEG) giving evidence of inhibition signs during exposure to noise an adaptation effect of the information processing system is concluded. The increase of the PBJ during the period of acoustic stress points to an increased function of the thyroid gland but simultaneously it is considered to be an expression of the elevated adrenergic situation. By reason of the strong deviation of the three observed regulatory systems must be concluded that longer-lasting exposure to noise with the applied quality and intensity represents a stress situation for pigs having noise character as established for men. A possible influence on the productivity of the pork type pig by permanent acoustic stress is indicated.