[Genotypic differences in the reactivity of the hypophyseo-adrenal system and the resistance of mice to cooling].

The response of pituitary-adrenal axis (non-specific stress reaction) and body temperature change (specific reaction to cold) to mild and extreme cold was studied in ten mice strains. Genotypic systems controlling the activity of pituitary-adrenal axis under the cold of various intensity seem to be different. It is possible that the extent of decrease in body temperature under the cold of various intensity is determined by the same hereditary mechanisms. It was shown that the considerable phenotypic variability in response of pituitary-adrenal axis and body temperature depends on environmental conditions as well, i.e. on the intensity and duration of cold stress. Significant variability in the survival under cold conditions in different mice strains and the important role of specific reaction to forecast of resistance to cold were discussed.