Dopamine susceptibility of APO-SUS rats is not per se coupled to HPA-axis activity

► Two independent rat lines with high or low dopamine susceptibilities were tested. ► ACTH and free-corticosterone levels were not causally linked to dopamine reactivity. ► Two non-synonymous SNPs in CBG did not segregate with free-corticosterone levels. ► A hyperactive HPA-axis is not a prerequisite for a high dopaminergic response.