Chp 6 Neuroendocrinology of the Stress-Response.pptVIP

Chp. 6: Neuroendocrinology of the Stress-Response What is stress? How do we define stress, stressors and the stress-response. The nervous system plays a critical role in the stress-response: perception of events as stressful activation of the HPA axis--secretes glucocorticoids activation of the ANS--secretes catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) activation of pathways within the brain important for other responses (e.g., locomotion) Numerous events occur during an acute stress-response: changess in energy metabolism, heart rate, breathing, digestive processes, growth, analgesia, regulation of immune system, and behavior these changes are considered adaptive as they occur for short periods of time and they allow an individual to take appropriate action in a threatening situation However, chronic exposure to stress can alter these responses in specific ways that leads to the development of physical disease, and in humans, psychiatric illness. This relationship is influenced by genetic and experiential variables--vulnerability!! Stress-Response Definitions: stressor: anything that disrupts the body’s physiological balance stress-response: the body’s adaptations designed to re-establish balance stress: general state of stressors provoking a stress-response Stress-Response HPA Axis Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenocortical Axis (HPA axis): stress is perceived by limbic system neurons in the limbic system activate the HPA axis CRH neurons in hypothalamus release CRH at median eminence CRH stimulates release of ACTH from cells in the anterior pituitary ACTH stimulates both synthesis and release of glucocorticoids from adrenal cortex glucocorticoids act, in part, to mobilize energy for the fight or flight response glucocorticoids also act to restrain the HPA axis by inhibiting hormone release at the level of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and higher brain regions (limbic system) Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Parasympathetic Division “vegetative functions” increa