Use of the catheterized rat in studies on social interactions and plasma catecholamines.

Catheterized rats were subjected to various social conditions and amphetamine treatment and plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine levels were measured. Normal interactions involving another male or female rat did not alter plasma catecholamine levels. Social interactions with a mouse or an amphetamine treated, hyperactive male rat had no effect on plasma epinephrine but increased norepinephrine levels significantly. A low dose of amphetamine given to the catheterized rat increased only plasma norepinephrine levels. The catheterized rat was found to be a very useful animal model for the study of social interactions and their effects on physiological processes as reflected in changes in certain blood chemicals.