The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and genetic variants affecting its reactivity |
| |
Authors: | N V Chistyakova K V Savost’yanov |
| |
Institution: | 1.Institute of Psychology,Russian Academy of Sciences,Moscow,Russia;2.State Research Institute for Genetics and Selection of Industrial Microorganisms,Moscow,Russia |
| |
Abstract: | The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a primary role in the body response to stresses. Activation of the HPA
axis results in the production of corticosteroid hormones that influence a wide variety of body functions, including immunity,
metabolism, ion exchange, and behavior. A well-balanced regulation of stress responses is pivotal for maintaining intrabody
homeostasis. The HPA axis is regulated at several levels, including stimulatory or inhibitory signals from the brain mediated
through neurotransmitter systems and the suppressive feedback influence of corticosteroids themselves. Corticosteroids affect
the HPA axis through binding to the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors located in the hippocampus. Genes encoding
these receptors have several polymorphic regions in which the alleles are associated with different basal and stress-induced
levels of hormones secreted in the course of HPS axis stimulation. Additionally, genetic variants of neurotransmitter systems
involved in the activation or suppression of the HPA axis have been found. Thus, the given genetic variations are major contributors
to the HPA axis-mediated individual resistance or susceptibility to stresses. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|