The interaction of stressors in the induction of increased levels of fluctuating asymmetry in the laboratory rat

Recent studies on fluctuating dental asymmetry have isolated single stressors as causative agents. Since most stressors are composite in nature, the present study was designed to determine the effects of the interaction of stressors in the induction of fluctuating dental asymmetry. Pregnant rats wer...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAmerican journal of physical anthropology Vol. 50; no. 2; p. 279
Main Authors Sciulli, P W, Doyle, W J, Kelley, C, Siegel, P, Siegel, M I
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.02.1979
Subjects
Animals
Cold Temperature
Female
Food Deprivation
Molar - pathology
Noise
Odontometry
Rats
Tooth Abnormalities - etiology
Tooth Abnormalities - pathology
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Summary:Recent studies on fluctuating dental asymmetry have isolated single stressors as causative agents. Since most stressors are composite in nature, the present study was designed to determine the effects of the interaction of stressors in the induction of fluctuating dental asymmetry. Pregnant rats were assigned to one of six treatment groups and stressed with various combinations of heat, cold, noise and protein deprivation. The levels of fluctuating dental asymmetry were assessed and it was found that all protocols produced higher levels of asymmetry than found for control animals. Noise and reduced protein exhibited an additive effect and the interaction of stressors produced a reduction in litter size. Suggestions were offered for further research in this expanding field.
ISSN:0002-9483
DOI:10.1002/ajpa.1330500218