Social Interaction and Serum Insulin Values in The Monkey (Macaca Mulatta)

Abstract

Social interaction studies were conducted with two groups of rhesus monkeys with abnormally elevated serum insulin values. In both studies, the animals that were lowest on the dominance-submissiveness scale showed a fall in insulin levels to within the normal range for the monkey. Upon removal from the group, insulin values in these animals returned to their previous elevated level. In neither instance was the fall in insulin level accompanied by fasting hyperglycemia.

Evaluating and minimising social stress in the care of captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus)

“…For example, competition for limited resources, disturbances in dominance relationships and incompatible or inappropriate group structure has led to aggression culminating in injury, illness and even mortality in captive primates [e.g., Erwin and Deni, 1979;Abbott et al, 1988;de Waal, 1989] and dolphins [McBride and Kritzler, 1951;Caldwell and Caldwell, 1977;Sweeney, 1990]. Even without overt aggression, the consequences of chronic stress from subordination and presence of a dominant individual can lead to loss of fitness, immunosuppression and even death [e.g., rats: Barnett, 1958;Barnett et al, 1975;tree shrews: von Holst, 1998; rhesus monkeys: Hamilton and Chaddock, 1977]. Captive management seeks to emulate natural conditions which will include some stressors [Thomas and McCann, 1997], however, it is essential to recognize social stressors before chronic problems develop by becoming aware of predisposing circumstances and initial expressions of stress.…”

“…Research demonstrates that social subordination can constitute chronic stress, leading to weight loss, decreased immune resistance, increased corticosteroids, and higher levels of arteriosclerosis [e.g., rats: Blanchard et al, 1998;Haller et al, 1999;mice: Kudryavtseva and Avgustinovich, 1998;primates: Sapolsky, 1992;Shively et al, 1997;Cohen et al, 1997]. Consistent exposure to a dominant individual can result in death [von Holst, 1972;Hamilton and Chaddock, 1977], although problems are most likely to occur where social structure is unstable and conflicts occur regularly.…”