Effects of stress (hypoglycaemia, endotoxin, and ether) on the peripheral circulating concentration of corticosterone in the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus)

1. 1. Plasma concentrations of corticosterone, as measured by competitive binding assay, have been determined in domestic fowl subjected to various stresses. 2. 2. The plasma corticosterone concentrations were elevated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), ether stress, E. coli endotoxemia, and the administration of sodium dichloracetate (DCA) in both 6-week-old and adult male chickens. 3. 3. Fasting increased circulating corticosterone levels in chickens irrespective of the age of the birds (from 4 days old to adults). 4. 4. Insulin induced hypoglycemia was effective in stimulating corticosterone levels. This effect was only observed in 1-day-old to 6-week-old chicks, and not in adult cockerels.