[Effect of acute stress on plasma levels of catecholamines and cortisol in addition to metabolites in stress-susceptible growing swine].

The purpose of this study was to show the behaviour of the plasma level of catecholamines in stress-susceptible pigs during an acute stress and to gain new insights in the role of catecholamines in the initiation of malignant hyperthermia. Therefore, a halothane challenge test was performed in stress-susceptible growing pigs, and the changes of haematocrit, hormones and metabolites were monitored during the handling before the test, during halothane exposure and thereafter. Already in connection with the handling before the test, haematocrit values and plasma levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, glucose, lactate and potassium increased significantly. However, the plasma concentration of cortisol and free glycerol increased gradually and the level of nonesterified fatty acids did not show any changes. While the levels of catecholamines and potassium decreased already during halothane exposure, haematocrit values and concentrations of glucose and lactate continued to increase. The present results indicate that the catecholamines are not involved in the initiation of malignant hyperthermia.