[The neurohormonal characteristics of rats selected for the duration of the passive defense reaction and for the threshold of neuromuscular excitability].

Two strains of rats, "genetic catalepsy" and "low-threshold", simulating some human psychopathological symptoms, were compared. Levels of brain monoamines and blood corticosterone and testosterone showed no common features in the strains studied. The levels of dopamine in amygdala and testosterone blood levels in rats of the two strains significantly deviated in opposite directions from corresponding controls. In "genetic catalepsy" strain noradrenaline content in striatum and diencephalon was decreased, and serotonin striatal level was increased.