[Hemodynamic correlates of immobilization stress in the rat]

Changes of the systemic and regional hemodynamics were studied in alert Wistar rats during their immobilization. Cardiac output and regional blood flows were measured with microsphere technique. The stress evoked 12% blood pressure increase, 30% cardiac output increase and 10% total peripheral vascular resistance decrease. Blood flow was increased in skeletal muscles, in the heart and adrenal glands, whereas in the kidney and small intestine blood flow decreased.