Brown, G. M., Martin, J. B. 1974. Corticosterone, prolactin, and growth hormone responses to handling and new environment in the rat. Psychosomatic Medicine 36, 241-247.

The effects of handling and novel environment on cortisol, prolactin and growth hormone were assessed and different control mechanisms discussed. Handling and novelty of the environment are powerful stimuli to activate the pituitary-adrenal axis.