pubmed-article:7149414 | pubmed:abstractText | The effect of shipping stress on immunologic functions was examined in mice. The mice were shipped either by truck or by plane, 2 of the most common modes for transport of animals. While mice were in transit, temperature fluctuations and light intensity were monitored. The foot pad test, hemagglutination assay, and plaque-forming cell assay were used to measure immunologic function. Corticosterone concentrations were quantitated with a competitive protein-binding technique. Regardless of the method of shipment, corticosterone values in the mice were markedly increased at arrival and remained at the high value for a 48-hour period. Immune-function assays were significantly lessened in the mice at arrival, but returned to base line within 48 hours, indicating that a minimum 48-hour stabilization period is required for all new arrivals. | lld:pubmed |