Does stress cause the secretion of corticosteroids from the adrenal glands of chicks or chickens?

Does stress cause the secretion of corticosteroids from the adrenal glands of chicks or chickens? Is its secretion considered immunosuppressive?

What is the amount of secretion of this endocrine corticosterone and does it directly depend on the number and severity of stressors?

Are the following considered stressors that cause immunosuppression and to what extent do they affect:

1- Hatching

2- Sorting

3- Hunger and thirst

4- Transportation

Answer to question:

Stress in day-old chicks leads to an increase in corticosterone levels by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

As a result, it will negatively affect their developing immune system and suppress immune function.

High levels of corticosterone can suppress immune responses in several ways:

1. By reducing the number and function of B lymphocytes, which produce antibodies.

2. By disrupting the balance and tuning between Th1 and Th2, which leads to disruption of T lymphocyte function and impaired cellular immunity.

3. By interfering with intracellular innate immune receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), which are critical for recognizing and fighting infections.

4. By inducing oxidative stress, which can damage immune cells and organs.