| Literature DB >> 25662280 |
Francesca Spiga1, Stafford L Lightman2.
Abstract
The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is characterized by an ultradian (pulsatile) pattern of hormone secretion. Pulsatility of glucocorticoids has been found critical for optimal transcriptional, neuroendocrine and behavioral responses. This review will focus on the mechanisms underlying the origin of the glucocorticoid ultradian rhythm. Our recent research shows that the ultradian rhythm of glucocorticoids depends on highly dynamic processes within adrenocortical steroidogenic cells. Furthermore, we have evidence that disruption of these dynamics leads to abnormal glucocorticoid secretion observed in disease and critical illness in both humans and rats.Entities:
Keywords: Adrenal cortex; Glucocorticoids; HPA axis; Inflammation; Steroidogenesis; Ultradian rhythm
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Year: 2015 PMID: 25662280 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.02.005
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Mol Cell Endocrinol ISSN: 0303-7207 Impact factor: 4.102