The crucial role of pulsatile activity of the HPA axis for continuous dynamic equilibration.
Nat Rev Neurosci
; 11(10): 710-8, 2010 10.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20842176
ABSTRACT
The classical concept of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) homeostasis comprises a feedback system within which circulating levels of glucocorticoid hormones maintain the brain and body in an optimal steady state. However, studies involving new techniques for investigating the real-time dynamics of both glucocorticoid hormones and glucocorticoid receptor function paint a different picture--namely, of continuous dynamic equilibration throughout this neuroendocrine system. This dynamic state is dictated by feedforward and feedback regulatory loops and by stochastic interactions at the level of DNA binding. We propose that this continuous oscillatory activity is crucial for optimal responsiveness of glucocorticoid-sensitive neural processes.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Pituitary-Adrenal System
/
Circadian Rhythm
/
Feedback, Physiological
/
Homeostasis
/
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Nat Rev Neurosci
Journal subject:
NEUROLOGIA
Year:
2010
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United kingdom