Effect of Septal Lesions on Plasma Levels of MSH, Corticosterone, GH and Prolactin Before and After Exposure to Novel Environment: Role of MSH in the Septal Syndrome

Baseline and stress levels of corticosterone, GH, prolactin and MSH were examined in rats with lesions of the septal nuclei. In controls, novel environment produced significant elevations in corticosterone and prolactin, and a drop in GH but no change in MSH levels. In animals with septal ablation, corticosterone elevation was exaggerated, and prolactin and MSH responses were unchanged. GH responses were already maximal so that no potentiation …