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HERO ID
3102467
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in neuroendocrine responses to stress
Author(s)
Smith, SM; Vale, WW
Year
2006
Is Peer Reviewed?
No
Volume
8
Issue
4
Page Numbers
383-395
Language
English
URL
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181830/
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Abstract
Animals respond to stress by activating a wide array of behavioral and physiological responses that are collectively referred to as the stress response. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a central role in the stress response by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In response to stress, CRF initiates a cascade of events that culminate in the release of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex. As a result of the great number of physiological and behavioral effects exerted by glucocorticoids, several mechanisms have evolved to control HPA axis activation and integrate the stress response. Glucocorticoid feedback inhibition plays a prominent role in regulating the magnitude and duration of glucocorticoid release. In addition to glucocorticoid feedback, the HPA axis is regulated at the level of the hypothalamus by a diverse group of afferent projections from limbic, mid-brain, and brain stem nuclei. The stress response is also mediated in part by brain stem noradrenergic neurons, sympathetic andrenornedullary circuits, and parasympathetic systems. In summary, the aim of this review is to discuss the role of the HPA axis in the integration of adaptive responses to stress. We also identify and briefly describe the major neuronal and endocrine systems that contribute to the regulation of the HPA axis and the maintenance of homeostasis in the face of aversive stimuli.
Keywords
stress, corticotropin-releasing factor, adrenocorticotropic hormone, glucocorticoid, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal gland
Tags
IRIS
•
Formaldehyde [archived]
Reproductive and Developmental Effects
Cited
Animal
•
IRIS Formaldehyde (Inhalation) [Final 2024]
Literature Indexing
Other sources and cited references
Literature Identification
Reproductive and Developmental Effects
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