Electroacupuncture and moxibustion-like stimulation activate the cutaneous and systemic hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axes in the rat

Objective: To determine whether electroacupuncture (EA) or moxibustion-like stimulation (MLS) can affect the cutaneous and/or systemic hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axes. Methods: Rats were divided into Control, EA, 37°C MLS and 43.5°C MLS groups. EA and MLS were performed at bilateral ST36 or LI4. The expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was detected in local cutaneous tissues at the site of ST36 and LI4 by immunohistochemical staining. In addition, levels of CRF, ACTH and corticosterone (CORT) in cutaneous tissue and plasma were determined. Results: Cutaneous expression of CRF, ACTH and GR significantly increased after EA at ST36, while only GR increased after 43.5°C MLS at ST36. The results of EA and MLS at LI4 were in parallel with those at ST36. In plasma, compared with the control group, the level of CORT increased after EA at ST36, while both ACTH and CORT were markedly increased after 43.5°C MLS. For LI4, plasma CRF and CORT increased after EA, while the levels of all three hormones increased following 43.5°C MLS. Notably, compared with the effect of EA, 43.5°C MLS at ST36 produced a more substantial increase in plasma CORT, and 43.5°C MLS at LI4 induced a more dramatic increase in plasma CRF and CORT. Conclusion: Both EA and 43.5°C MLS can activate the cutaneous and systemic HPA axes of the rat. EA tended to activate the local cutaneous HPA, while 43.5°C MLS was more likely to activate the systemic HPA axis.

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Endocrine and Electrolyte Balances during Periovulatory Period in Cycling Mares

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11020520 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 520 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katiuska Satué ◽

Esterina Fazio ◽

Ana Muñoz ◽

Pietro Medica

Keyword(s):

Estrous Cycle ◽

Hpa Axis ◽

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Competitive Elisa ◽

Direct Relation ◽

Plasma Acth ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽

Stimulation Of

In cycling females, the periovulatory period is characterized by stimulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The aim of present study was to analyze the pattern and interrelationships among adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (CORT), aldosterone (ALD) and electrolytes (sodium—Na+, potassium—K+ and chloride—Cl−) during periovulatory period in cycling mares. Venous blood samples were obtained daily from a total of 23 Purebred Spanish broodmares, aged 7.09 ± 2.5 years, from day −5 to day +5 of estrous cycle, considering day 0, the day of ovulation. Plasma ACTH was measured by a fluorescent immunoassay kit, serum CORT and ALD by means of a competitive ELISA immunoassay, and plasma Na+, K+ and Cl− were quantified by an analyzer with selective electrodes for the three ions. ACTH showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −1 and +1 to +3 (p < 0.05). CORT showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −2 and +1 to +5 (p < 0.05). ALD showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −2 (p < 0.05) and +2 (p < 0.05). Na+ and Cl− showed higher concentrations at day 0, compared to day −5 and +5. K+ showed lower concentrations at day 0 compared to day +1 (p < 0.05). The significant correlations obtained between ACTH and CORT (r = 0.20) and between ACTH and ALD (r = 0.32) suggest that although ACTH may have an effect both on CORT and ALD, there are other very important determinants that could be considered. Hence, it is possible to presume that the pituitary adrenocortical response and ALD may be involved in the ovulatory mechanisms without a direct relation with electrolyte pattern.

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Hypertension: Role of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis

Physiology ◽

10.1152/physiologyonline.1987.2.4.132 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 2 (4) ◽

pp. 132-135

Author(s):

BA Scoggins

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽

Corticotropin Releasing Factor ◽

Pressure Regulation ◽

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽

Adrenal Axis ◽

Central Actions ◽

Prolonged Stress ◽

Pituitary Adrenal Axis

Blood pressure regulation may be mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor and/or by adrenocorticotropic hormone, by adrenocortical steroids, or by adrenomedullary catecholamines. The interaction between these factors is complex. Catecholamines and central actions of the neuropeptides may be involved in rapid hemodynamic responses to "stress". In contrast, adrenocortical steroids are probably more important in longer-term adaptations of the circulation to prolonged stress.

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Maternal undernutrition during the first week after conception results in decreased expression of glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the absence of GR exon 17 hypermethylation in the fetal pituitary in late gestation

Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease ◽

10.1017/s2040174413000378 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

pp. 391-401 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

S. Zhang ◽

O. Williams-Wyss ◽

S. M. MacLaughlin ◽

S. K. Walker ◽

D. O. Kleemann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽

Mrna Expression ◽

Hpa Axis ◽

Early Embryo ◽

Late Gestation ◽

Control Group ◽

Fetal Sheep ◽

Maternal Undernutrition ◽

Stress Responsiveness ◽

Periconceptional Period

Exposure to maternal undernutrition during the periconceptional period results in an earlier prepartum activation of the fetal hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and altered stress responsiveness in the offspring. It is not known whether such changes are a consequence of exposure of the oocyte and/or the early embryo to maternal undernutrition in the periconceptional period. We have compared the effects of ‘periconceptional’ undernutrition (PCUN: maternal undernutrition imposed from at least 45 days before until 6 days after conception), and ‘early preimplantation’ undernutrition (PIUN: maternal undernutrition imposed for only 6 days after conception) on the expression of genes in the fetal anterior pituitary that regulate adrenal growth and steroidogenesis, proopiomelanorcortin (POMC), prohormone convertase 1 (PC1), 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and 2 (11βHSD1 and 2) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in fetal sheep at 136–138 days of gestation. Pituitary GR mRNA expression was significantly lower in the PCUN and PIUN groups in both singletons and twins compared with controls, although this suppression of GR expression was not associated with hypermethylation of the exon 17 region of the GR gene. In twin fetuses, the pituitary 11βHSD1 mRNA expression was significantly higher in the PIUN group compared with the PCUN but not the control group. Thus, exposure of the single or twin embryo to maternal undernutrition for only 1 week after conception is sufficient to cause a suppression of the pituitary GR expression in late gestation. These changes may contribute to the increased stress responsiveness of the HPA axis in the offspring after exposure to poor nutrition during the periconceptional period.

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The effect of orally administered Budesonide on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease

Veterinární Medicína ◽

10.17221/130/2015-vetmed ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 62 (No. 5) ◽

pp. 261-268

Author(s):

A. Rychlik ◽

M. Nowicki ◽

A. Kolodziejska-Sawerska ◽

M. Szweda

Keyword(s):

Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽

Alkaline Phosphatase ◽

Hpa Axis ◽

Bowel Disease ◽

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽

Chemical Properties ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽

Inflammatory Bowel ◽

Biochemical Analyses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Budesonide on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. The effect of orally administered Budesonide (Entocort) on the HPA axis was analysed in 21 dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. Biochemical analyses were carried out to evaluate the activity levels of alanine aminotransferase, asparagine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cortisol and endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone. Urine samples were collected from each patient before the study and after 30 days of the experiment to determine the composition and the physical and chemical properties of urine sediments. Considerably lower serum concentrations of cortisol and endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone were observed after 30 days of treatment. A significant increase in alkaline phosphatase levels was noted on Day 30. In the studied dogs, the drop in HPA axis activity was correlated with side effects associated with the administered glucocorticosteroid (polyuria, polydipsia). In conclusion, we have shown that oral administration of Budesonide to dogs diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease significantly suppressed the activity of the HPA axis.

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Antidepressant‐like effects of quercetin in diabetic rats are independent of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis

Acta Neuropsychiatrica ◽

10.1017/neu.2015.45 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 23-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Enver Ahmet Demir ◽

Hasan Serdar Gergerlioglu ◽

Mehmet Oz

Keyword(s):

Hpa Axis ◽

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ◽

Experimental Diabetes ◽

Forced Swim Test ◽

Plasma Concentrations ◽

Diabetic Rats ◽

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽

Swim Test ◽

The Family ◽

Pituitary Adrenal Axis

ObjectiveQuercetin, one of the most potent flavonol in the family of flavonoids, has been shown to have benefits against diabetes and its complications. In the present study, we investigated effects of quercetin on depression-like behaviours and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in diabetic rats.MethodsExperimental diabetes was induced by using streptozotocin, and either 50 or 100 mg/kg quercetin was intraperitoneally administered for 21 days. Following the last treatment, animals were subjected to the forced swim test, and subsequently, the blood was obtained by cardiac puncture to measure plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels.ResultsA significant increase of the total immobile time, accompanied by a decrease in the immobility latency, which suggests a depressive status, was observed in diabetic animals that was reversed by the treatment of 50 mg/kg quercetin. However, the higher dose of quercetin (100 mg/kg) was ineffective in alleviating depression-like behaviours. The plasma concentrations of ACTH, and total- and free-CORT were not affected by both doses of quercetin.ConclusionTherefore, we concluded that the antidepressant-like effects of quercetin in diabetes are independent of the HPA axis.

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Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity of Newborn Mice Rapidly Desensitizes to Repeated Maternal Absence but Becomes Highly Responsive to Novelty

Endocrinology ◽

10.1210/en.2008-0238 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 149 (12) ◽

pp. 6366-6377 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

L. Enthoven ◽

M. S. Oitzl ◽

N. Koning ◽

M. van der Mark ◽

E. R. de Kloet

Keyword(s):

Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽

Receptor Antagonist ◽

Hpa Axis ◽

Mineralocorticoid Receptor ◽

Maternal Separation ◽

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist ◽

Newborn Mice ◽

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽

The Third ◽

Corticosterone Response

In CD1 mice we investigated the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to maternal separation for 8 h daily from postnatal d 3 to 5. At d 3 a slow separation-induced corticosterone response developed that peaked after 8 h, and the pups became responsive to stressors. On the second and third day, the response to 8 h separation rapidly attenuated, whereas the response to novelty did not, a pattern reflected by the hypothalamic c-fos mRNA response. If maternal separation and exposure to novelty were combined, then after the third such daily exposure, the sensitivity to the stressor was further enhanced. Meanwhile, basal corticosterone and ACTH levels were persistently suppressed 16 h after pups were reunited with their mothers. To explain the HPA axis desensitization after repeated separation, we found that circulating ghrelin levels increased and glucose levels decreased after all periods of maternal separation, ruling out a role of altered metabolism. Glucocorticoid feedback was not involved either because a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist amplified the corticosterone response after the first but became ineffective after the third separation. In contrast, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist decreased and increased corticosterone levels after the first and third period of separation, respectively. In conclusion, the newborn’s HPA axis readily desensitizes to repeated daily maternal separation, but continues to respond to novelty in a manner influenced by a central mineralocorticoid receptor- rather than glucocorticoid receptor-mediated mechanism.

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Assessment of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity: glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor function in depression with early life stress – a systematic review

Acta Neuropsychiatrica ◽

10.1111/j.1601-5215.2011.00610.x ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 4-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Cristiane Von Werne Baes ◽

Sandra M. de Carvalho Tofoli ◽

Camila Maria S. Martins ◽

Mario F. Juruena

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽

Hpa Axis ◽

Life Stress ◽

Early Life ◽

Mineralocorticoid Receptor ◽

Early Life Stress ◽

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽

Depressed Patients ◽

Suppression Test

Objective:The mechanisms involved in the dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, especially in the functioning of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in depressed patients, are not well elucidated. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of articles that assess the HPA axis activity from GR and MR in depressed patients and healthy controls with or without early life stress.Methods:We conducted a systematic review of articles in PubMed, SCOPUS and SciELO published between 2000 and 2011, using the following search terms:child abuse,depression,HPA axis,dexamethasone,prednisolone,fludrocortisoneandspironolactone. Thirty-four papers were selected for this review.Results:Most studies identified in this review used the dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone test and dexamethasone suppression test. In these studies, hypercortisolaemia was associated with depression. We identified three studies with the Prednisolone suppression test, only one study with the use of fludrocortisone and one with spironolactone. This review found nine studies that evaluated the HPA axis in individuals with early life stress.Conclusions:The majority of the studies assessed in this review show that early life stress leads to permanent changes in the HPA axis and may lead to development of depression in adults. The most consistent findings in the literature show increased activity of the HPA axis in depression associated with hypercortisolaemia and reduced inhibitory feedback. These findings suggest that this dysregulation of the HPA axis is partially attributable to an imbalance between GR and MR. Evidences have consistently showed that GR function is impaired in major depression, but few studies have assessed the activity of MR in depression and early life stress.

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Effects of Childhood Trauma, Daily Stress and Emotions on Daily Cortisol Levels in Individuals Vulnerable to Suicide

10.31234/osf.io/5nbs8 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Daryl Brian O'Connor ◽

Dawn Branley-Bell ◽

Jessica Green ◽

Eamonn Ferguson ◽

Ronan O' Carroll ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Suicide Attempt ◽

Childhood Trauma ◽

Hpa Axis ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Control Group ◽

Daily Stressors ◽

Daily Stress ◽

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽

Cortisol Levels

Objectives: Suicide is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, as measured by cortisol levels, has been identified as one potential risk factor. Evidence has indicated that childhood trauma is associated with dysregulated cortisol reactivity to stress in adulthood. The current study investigated for the first time whether childhood trauma and daily stressors and emotions were associated with diurnal cortisol levels over a 7-day study in individuals vulnerable to suicide. Methods: 142 participants were categorized according to their suicidal history into three groups: suicide attempt, suicidal ideation or control group. Participants completed questionnaires before commencing a 7-day study. Cortisol samples were provided immediately upon waking, at 15 mins, 30 mins, 45 mins, 3 hours, 6 hours, 9 hours and 12 hours on 7 consecutive days. Measures of daily stressors, mood, defeat and entrapment were completed at the end of each day. Results: Participants in the suicide attempt and ideation groups released significantly lower cortisol upon awakening (CAR) and had a tendency towards flatter wake-peak to 12 hour (WP-12) cortisol slopes compared to controls. Childhood trauma was found to be associated with significantly lower CAR and a tendency towards flatter WP-12 cortisol slope. Childhood trauma also had an indirect effect on suicide vulnerability group membership via lower daily CAR levels. Lower CAR was associated with increased suicide ideation at 1-month but not 6-months. Daily stress and emotion measures were not associated with cortisol levels. Conclusions: This is the first 7-day daily diary investigation of naturally fluctuating cortisol levels in individuals vulnerable to suicide. The results indicate that dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity is associated with suicidal ideation and behavior. Childhood trauma appears to be an important distal factor associated with HPA-axis dysregulation.

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Leukemia inhibitory factor regulates glucocorticoid receptor expression in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

AJP Endocrinology and Metabolism ◽

10.1152/ajpendo.00577.2004 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 289 (5) ◽

pp. E857-E863 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Anastasia Kariagina ◽

Svetlana Zonis ◽

Mahta Afkhami ◽

Dmitry Romanenko ◽

Vera Chesnokova

Keyword(s):

Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽

Hpa Axis ◽

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor ◽

Dominant Negative ◽

Receptor Expression ◽

Inhibitory Factor ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽

Protein Levels

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine belonging to the gp130 family. LIF is induced peripherally and within the brain during inflammatory or chronic autoimmune diseases and is a potent stimulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Here we investigated the role of LIF in mediating glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in the HPA axis. LIF treatment (3 μg/mouse, ip) markedly decreased GR mRNA levels in murine hypothalamus (5-fold, P < 0.01) and pituitary (1.7-fold, P < 0.01) and downregulated GR protein levels. LIF decreased GR expression in murine corticotroph cell line AtT20 within 2 h, and this effect was sustained for 8 h after treatment. LIF-induced GR mRNA reduction was abrogated in AtT20 cells overexpressing dominant-negative mutants of STAT3, indicating that intact JAK-STAT signaling is required to mediate LIF effects on GR expression. Conversely, mice with LIF deficiency exhibited increased GR mRNA levels in the hypothalamus and pituitary (3.5- and 3.5-fold, respectively; P < 0.01 for both) and increased GR protein expression when compared with wild-type littermates. The suppressive effects of dexamethasone on GR were more pronounced in LIF-null animals. These data suggest that LIF maintains the HPA axis activation by decreasing GR expression and raise the possibility that LIF might contribute to the development of central glucocorticoid resistance during inflammation.

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Secretagogin Mediates the Regulatory Effect of Electroacupuncture on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Dysfunction in Surgical Trauma

Neural Plasticity ◽

10.1155/2021/8881136 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Mizhen Zhang ◽

Jingxian Sun ◽

Yu Wang ◽

Zhanzhuang Tian

Keyword(s):

Hpa Axis ◽

Plasma Corticosterone ◽

Control Group ◽

Surgical Trauma ◽

Mrna Levels ◽

Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽

Protein Levels ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Hepatectomy Group

Electroacupuncture (EA) improves hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis disorder by reducing corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) synthesis and release in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). However, the potential mechanism underlying CRH regulation remains unclear. Secretagogin (SCGN) is closely related to stress and is involved in regulating the release of CRH. We hypothesized that SCGN in the PVN might trigger the HPA system and be involved in EA-mediated modulation of HPA dysfunction caused by surgical trauma. Serum CRH and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels at 6 h and 24 h after hepatectomy were determined by radioimmunoassay. CRH and SCGN protein levels in the PVN were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence, and CRH and SCGN mRNA levels in the PVN were determined by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and in situ hybridization (ISH). Our studies showed that serum CRH, ACTH, and CORT levels and PVN CRH expression were significantly increased at 6 h and 24 h after hepatectomy in the hepatectomy group compared with the control group, and those in the EA+hepatectomy group were decreased compared with those in the hepatectomy group. The protein and mRNA levels of SCGN in the PVN were also increased after hepatectomy, and their expression in the EA+hepatectomy group was decreased compared with that in the hepatectomy group. When SCGN expression in the PVN was functionally knocked down by a constructed CsCI virus, we found that SCGN knockdown decreased the serum CRH, ACTH, and CORT levels in the SCGN shRNA+hepatectomy group compared with the hepatectomy group, and it also attenuated CRH expression in the PVN. In summary, our findings illustrated that EA normalized HPA axis dysfunction after surgical trauma by decreasing the transcription and synthesis of SCGN.

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