[Adrenal function in the mink Mustela vison selected for the type of behavior]

Glucocorticoid function of adrenals and its reactivity to stress caused by immobilization and to ACTH stimulation have been studied in the male minks selected both for domestic and aggressive behavior towards man. In autumn period the regression of cortisol content in adrenals was observed in domesticated males and particularly in aggressive ones compared with control. At the same period the increased level of cortisol in blood as the result of immobilization was noticed in aggressive minks compared with the domesticated and control ones. At ACTH stimulation in spring time the increase of cortisol level in blood was shown for animals of all the groups but it was more marked for the aggressive ones.