[Analysis of factors determining sex differences in stress reactions of white rats]

Female rats demonstrate more considerable increasing of corticosterone synthesis and secretion in comparison with male ones under the conditions of emotional and emotion-pain stress. These differences are not disappeared after castration. The sexual differences in stress reactions of infants are accompanied by lower sensitivity of their adaptation system in relation to stressors. The adult neonatal androgenized females show the same reactivity as normal females under the condition of emotion-pain stress. It is concluded that the sexual differences in stress reactions are genetically determined.