Stress and Susceptibility to Viral Infections

Abstract

Summary The susceptibility of mice to intranasally inoculated vesicular stomatitis virus was significantly altered by daily exposure to 3-hr periods of high intensity sound (123 db). Animals inoculated before and after the first period of stress showed an increase in susceptibility. Adrenalectomized mice inoculated on the 2nd day of stress responded in a like manner. Susceptibility of intact mice inoculated on days subsequent to the first was biphasic. Animals inoculated before stress were more susceptible, whereas those inoculated after were more resistant to the virus than the controls. Daily stress subsequent to the day of inoculation further influenced susceptibility. The increase in susceptibility was independent of adrenal functions. The refractory phase appeared to be related to adrenal activity.