USING ETHOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES TO STUDY PSYCHOSOCIAL INFLUENCES ON CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN MONKEYS

Citation
Jr. Kaplan et Sb. Manuck, USING ETHOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES TO STUDY PSYCHOSOCIAL INFLUENCES ON CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN MONKEYS, Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 161, 1997, pp. 96-99
Citations number
14
Categorie Soggetti
Physiology
ISSN journal
00016772
Volume
161
Year of publication
1997
Supplement
640
Pages
96 - 99
Database
ISI
SICI code
0001-6772(1997)161:<96:UEPTSP>2.0.ZU;2-8
Abstract
Studies with male cynomolgus monkeys suggest that atherosclerosis is p otentiated among individuals that are habitually successful in their a ggressive encounters with social strangers, thereby retaining dominant social status in an unstable environment. Further, the increased risk of atherosclerosis experienced by such animals is related in part, to the autonomic (sympathetic) adjustments they make while responding to the demands of retaining dominant status. These data provide clear su pport for the hypothesis that psychosocial factors influence disease p athogenesis via neuroendocrine mediation. Additionally, they provide i nitial evidence in favor of Jim Henry's suggestion that the pattern of neuroendocrine response to environmental challenge depends on the typ e and degree of control an animal can exert in such circumstances (Hen ry & Stephens 1977).