Effect of a single MS for 4 h on IP and plasma CORT in PND10 and PND20 rats.

<p>(A) Data show <i>in vivo</i> IP to FD4 immediately after MS (T4 h), and after the pups were returned to their dams (T8 h, T12 h and T24 h). Note that only PND10 rats displayed increased IP in response to MS procedure. Data are mean±SEM (7–10 animals per group). **P<0.01 ***P<0.001 compared to corresponding sham controls. (B) Blood samples from MS and sham pups were obtained in rats throughout the MS procedure lasting for 4 h, then every 4 h for 8 to 12 h after the pups were returned to their dams. Note that basal plasma CORT levels in male and female PND10 were lower than in their PND20 counterparts. In both PND10 and PND20 rats, circulating CORT increased in MS rats soon after they were removed from their mother, and peaked at 4 h. Data are expressed as the mean±SEM in 3–10 pups per time-point. **P<0.01***P<0.001 compared to basal.