Abstract: Twelve patients under psychological stress and nonstress condition were studied. Their blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and respiratory frequency were determined, and their plasma and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) ir-AVP were measured with radioimmunoassay(RIA). The results showed higher BP and faster HR in psychological stress than those in nonstress condition (p<0.01). There was no change in respiratory frequency. The plasma level of ir-AVP was much lower in those under psychological str- ess. A negative correlation between the plasma and CSF levels of ir-AVP was shown(r_s = - 0.656) in psychological stress condition. These findings suggest that psychological stress could have effect on the autonervous sy- stem to enhance the activation of circulatory system and AVP might play and important role.

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