Article

Serum cortisol, testosterone, and testosterone-binding globulin responses to competitive fighting in human males

  1. Michael Elias†

Article first published online: 14 FEB 2006

DOI: 10.1002/1098-2337(1981)7:3<215::AID-AB2480070305>3.0.CO;2-M

Issue

Aggressive Behavior

Aggressive Behavior

Volume 7, Issue 3, pages 215–224, 1981

Additional Information

How to Cite

Elias, M. (1981), Serum cortisol, testosterone, and testosterone-binding globulin responses to competitive fighting in human males. Aggr. Behav., 7: 215–224. doi: 10.1002/1098-2337(1981)7:3<215::AID-AB2480070305>3.0.CO;2-M

Author Information

  1. Biological Anthropology Wing, Department of Anthropology, Peabody Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts

  1. †

    Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB23EJ, England

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 14 FEB 2006
  2. Article first published online: 14 FEB 2006
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 8 JAN 1981
  4. Manuscript Received: 16 SEP 1980

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Keywords:

  • testosterone;
  • cortisol;
  • testosterone-binding globulin;
  • aggression;
  • defeat;
  • victory

Abstract

Levels of circulating cortisol, testosterone, and testosterone-binding globulin were measured in 15 male wrestlers in relation to wrestling bouts and their outcomes. Concentrations of cortisol and testosterone increased consistently during wrestling bouts, while levels of testosterone-binding globulin dropped. Winners of competive matches showed greater increases in both cortisol and testosterone than losers. These findings indicate that humans, like other social mammals, may undergo specific endocrine changes in response to victory or defeat.

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