DEVELOPMENT OF THE CIRCADIAN RHYTHM OF CORTISOL IN THE GILT FROM WEANING UNTIL PUBERTY

1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 1105-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. D. EVANS ◽  
R. J. CHRISTOPHERSON ◽  
F. X. AHERNE
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Diurnal Variation ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Total Cortisol ◽  
Adrenal Axis ◽  
Gradual Development ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Afternoon Peak ◽  
Significant Diurnal Variation

In order to characterize the development of the adrenal axis by monitoring development of the circadian rhythm of cortisol, 10 gilts were blood-sampled serially for 24 h every 4 wk from 4 to 28 wk of age. Age at first estrus for sampled animals (199.6 ± 5.3 d, mean ± SEM) was not different (P > 0.05) from that of another group of 10 control gilts not blood sampled (203.4 ± 6.8 d). Cortisol profiles at 4 wk of age did not show a significant diurnal variation. At 8 and 12 wk, the profile showed the development of an afternoon trough. At 16 wk, an afternoon peak was present. At 20 and 24 wk, the continued development of peaks and a well-formed trough were evident and by 28 wk of age the profile was characterized by a large morning peak, small afternoon peak and an evening trough. Mean levels of total cortisol at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 wk were 25.3 ± 2.2, 37.4 ± 4.1, 40.1 ± 3.5, 26.8 ± 2.8, 20.6 ± 2.6, 38.3 ± 3.6 and 24.8 ± 2.9 ng mL−1, respectively. Profiles of biologically active cortisol appeared to closely mirror total cortisol profiles. Total cortisol levels at 8, 12 and 24 wk of age were higher (P < 0.05) than at other ages. These results indicate that in the gilt the circadian rhythm of cortisol undergoes gradual development reaching adult profiles at or shortly before first estrus. Key words: Adrenal, circadian rhythm, cortisol, cortisol binding globulin, development, gilt

scholarly journals Responses of New World flying squirrels to the acute stress of capture and handling

2015 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanna M. Desantis ◽  
Jeff Bowman ◽  
Candace V. Lahoda ◽  
Rudy Boonstra ◽  
Gary Burness
Keyword(s):  
Stress Response ◽  
New World ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Stress Axis ◽  
Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio ◽  
Flying Squirrels ◽  
Physiological Variables ◽  
Total Cortisol ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Abstract Northern ( Glaucomys sabrinus ) and southern ( G. volans ) flying squirrels have glucocorticoid (GC; stress hormone) levels higher than most vertebrates but virtually no binding capacity for these GCs via the carrier protein, corticosteroid-binding globulin. Thus, their total GCs are essentially all free and biologically active. However, the GC estimates come from blood samples taken after squirrels had been in live traps, and thus in a stress-induced state. Obtaining baseline values for physiological variables is valuable for assessing the response of vertebrates to stressors in their environment. We compared baseline plasma total cortisol levels (within 3min of capture) to stress-induced levels (after 30min of trap restraint) in both flying squirrel species. We recorded baseline cortisol levels that were some of the highest ever reported for mammals, indicating their stress axes operate at a higher set point than most other species. As part of the stress response, we also measured 4 indices in addition to cortisol. Total cortisol and free fatty acids increased in both species, as predicted. In contrast with our predictions, blood glucose and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio showed no overall change, and hematocrit decreased significantly. New World flying squirrels therefore appear to have a stress response that differs from many other mammals. The selective forces driving the physiology of these animals remain elusive, but this lineage may provide an interesting comparative system for the study of stress axis function and its evolution among vertebrates.

scholarly journals The effect of social stress on adrenal axis activity in horses: the importance of monitoring corticosteroid-binding globulin capacity

1998 ◽  
Vol 157 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
SL Alexander ◽  
CH Irvine
Keyword(s):  
Social Stress ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Social Instability ◽  
Total Cortisol ◽  
Adrenal Axis ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Corticosteroid Binding Globulin ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Plasma cortisol is largely bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), which regulates its bioavailability by restricting exit from capillaries. Levels of CBG may be altered by several factors including stress and this can influence the amount of cortisol reaching cells. This study investigated the effect of social instability on plasma concentrations of CBG, total and free (not protein bound) cortisol in horses. Horses new to our research herd ('newcomers') were confined in a small yard with four dominant resident horses for 3-4 h daily for 3-4 (n = 5) or 9-14 (n = 3) days. Jugular blood was collected in the mornings from newcomers before the period of stress began ('pre-stress'), and then before each day's stress. Residents were bled before stress on the first and thirteenth day. Residents always behaved aggressively towards newcomers. By the end of the stress period, all newcomers were subordinate to residents. In newcomers (n = 8) after 3-4 days of social stress, CBG binding capacity had fallen (P = 0.0025), while free cortisol concentrations had risen (P = 0.0016) from pre-stress values. In contrast, total cortisol did not change. In residents, CBG had decreased slightly but significantly (P = 0.0162) after 12 days of stress. Residents and newcomers did not differ in pre-stress CBG binding capacity, total or free cortisol concentrations. However, by the second week of stress, CBG binding capacity was lower (P = 0.015) and free cortisol higher (P = 0.030) in newcomers (n = 3) than in residents. Total cortisol did not differ between the groups. In conclusion social stress clearly affected the adrenal axis of subordinate newcomer horses, lowering the binding capacity of CBG and raising free cortisol concentrations. However, no effect of stress could be detected when only total cortisol was measured. Therefore, to assess adrenal axis status accurately in horses, it is essential to monitor the binding capacity of CBG and free cortisol concentrations in addition to total cortisol levels.

scholarly journals Continuous Free Cortisol Profiles—Circadian Rhythms in Healthy Men

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (12) ◽  
pp. 5935-5947 ◽  
Author(s):  
R C Bhake ◽  
V Kluckner ◽  
H Stassen ◽  
G M Russell ◽  
J Leendertz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Adrenal Axis ◽  
Free Cortisol ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Hours ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Pituitary Adrenal Axis

Abstract Context The pituitary–adrenal axis had historically been considered a representative model for circadian rhythms. A recently developed portable collection device has provided the opportunity to evaluate free cortisol profiles using the microdialysis approach in individuals free to conduct their day-to-day activities in their own surroundings. Methods Two separate experiments were conducted in healthy male volunteers. The total and subcutaneous (SC) free cortisol levels were measured at 10-minute intervals for a 24-hour period in one experiment, and the SC free cortisol levels were measured at 20-minute interval for 72 consecutive hours in free-living individuals in the second experiment. Results The characteristic circadian rhythm was evident in both serum total and SC free cortisol, with the lowest levels achieved and maintained in the hours surrounding sleep onset and the peak levels occurring in every individual around waking. In all free-living individuals, the circadian rhythm was consistent across the 72-hour period, despite a wide range of activities. All the participants also showed increased cortisol after the consumption of lunch. The lowest levels during all 24-hour periods were observed during the hours after lights off, at the onset of sleep. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to report up to three consecutive 24-hour measurements of SC free cortisol in healthy individuals. We believe our study is a landmark study that paves the way for ambulatory monitoring of free cortisol profiles continuously for a period of 72 hours in free-living individuals performing their day-to-day activities whether healthy or with diseases involving the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.

Overt Glucocorticoid Excess Due to Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 452-455
Author(s):  
Gregory A. Hollman ◽  
David B. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Triamcinolone Acetonide ◽  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis ◽  
Systemic Absorption ◽  
Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal ◽  
Adrenal Axis ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Pituitary Adrenal Axis

Inhaled corticosteroids have become an important therapeutic option in the treatment of childhood asthma. The preparations currently available for pediatric use (beclomethasone dipropionate and triamcinolone acetonide) do not, in general, cause significant hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and physical signs of glucocorticoid excess have not been described with their use. We report an 8-year-old girl with asthma in whom obesity, hirsutism, and growth retardation developed during treatment with inhaled triamcinolone acetonide alone. Laboratory studies showed suppression of endogenous cortisol production but did not demonstrate suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Cessation of inhaled triamcinolone acetonide therapy resulted in resolution of obesity and hirsutism, resumption of normal growth, and a return to normal of serum cortisol levels and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion. Careful monitoring of growth velocity and (if clinically indicated) morning serum cortisol levels in asthmatic children using inhaled corticorsteroids will detect the rare instance of glucocorticoid excess resulting from systemic absorption of these drugs.

Plasma Cortisol Levels in Depression

1966 ◽  
Vol 112 (493) ◽  
pp. 1263-1267 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Doig ◽  
R. V. Mummery ◽  
M. R. Wills ◽  
A. Elkes
Keyword(s):  
Diurnal Variation ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Cortisol Level ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Plasma Cortisol Level ◽  
Fundamental Characteristic ◽  
Sleep Period ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Abrupt Rise

Sleep disturbance is commonly found in depression. Plasma cortisol levels in non-hospitalized normal subjects show a rise prior to waking, with peak values at between 5 and 8 a.m. (9, 10). In a group of eight normal subjects, Perkoff (10) changed the sleep rhythm to sleeping during the day, using darkened rooms, and found that the plasma cortisol level followed suit, rising sharply in the two-hour period before waking. He stated: “A fundamental characteristic of the diurnal variation of plasma 17 OHCS concentration is the abrupt rise which occurs during the sleep period.”

OPIATE MODULATION OF THE PITUITARY-ADRENAL AXIS: EFFECTS OF STRESS AND CIRCADIAN RHYTHM

1982 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. GROSSMAN ◽  
R. C. GAILLARD ◽  
P. McCARTNEY ◽  
LESLEY H. REES ◽  
G. M. BESSER
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Adrenal Axis ◽  
Effects Of Stress ◽  
Pituitary Adrenal Axis

Corticosteroid-binding globulin levels in North American sciurids: implications for the flying squirrel stress axis

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (10) ◽  
pp. 1090-1096 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lanna M. Desantis ◽  
Jeff Bowman ◽  
Erin Faught ◽  
Rudy Boonstra ◽  
Mathilakath M. Vijayan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New World ◽  
Stress Axis ◽  
Glaucomys Sabrinus ◽  
Evolutionary Time ◽  
Glaucomys Volans ◽  
Flying Squirrels ◽  
Total Cortisol ◽  
Corticosteroid Binding Globulin ◽  
Tree Squirrels ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) helps to regulate tissue bioavailability of circulating glucocorticoids (GCs), and in most vertebrates, ≥80%–90% of GCs bind to this protein. New World flying squirrels have higher plasma total cortisol levels (the primary corticosteroid in sciurids) than most vertebrates. Recent research suggests that flying squirrels have either low amounts of CBG or CBG molecules that have a low binding affinity for cortisol, as this taxon appears to exhibit very low proportions of cortisol bound to CBG. To test whether CBG levels have been adjusted over evolutionary time, we assessed the levels of this protein in the plasma of northern (Glaucomys sabrinus (Shaw, 1801)) and southern (Glaucomys volans (Linnaeus, 1758)) flying squirrels using immunoblotting, and compared the relative levels among three phylogenetically related species of sciurids. We also compared the pattern of CBG levels with cortisol levels for the same individuals. Flying squirrels had higher cortisol levels than the other species, but similar levels of CBG to their closest relatives (tree squirrels). We conclude that CBG levels in flying squirrels have not been adjusted over evolutionary time, and thus, the uncoupling of CBG levels from cortisol concentrations may represent an evolutionary modification in the lineage leading to New World flying squirrels.

scholarly journals MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: A sense of time of the glucocorticoid circadian clock: from the ontogeny to the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome

2018 ◽  
Vol 179 (1) ◽  
pp. R1-R18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayrton Custodio Moreira ◽  
Sonir Rauber Antonini ◽  
Margaret de Castro
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythm ◽  
Circadian Clock ◽  
Clock Genes ◽  
Circadian Variation ◽  
Circadian System ◽  
Feedback Loops ◽  
Adrenal Axis ◽  
Sense Of Time ◽  
Pituitary Adrenal Axis ◽  
Hierarchical Manner

The circadian rhythm of glucocorticoids has long been recognised within the last 75 years. Since the beginning, researchers have sought to identify basic mechanisms underlying the origin and emergence of the corticosteroid circadian rhythmicity among mammals. Accordingly, Young, Hall and Rosbash, laureates of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, as well as Takahashi’s group among others, have characterised the molecular cogwheels of the circadian system, describing interlocking transcription/translation feedback loops essential for normal circadian rhythms. Plasma glucocorticoid circadian variation depends on the expression of intrinsic clock genes within the anatomic components of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which are organised in a hierarchical manner. This review presents a general overview of the glucocorticoid circadian clock mechanisms, highlighting the ontogeny of the pituitary–adrenal axis diurnal rhythmicity as well as the involvement of circadian rhythm abnormalities in the physiopathology and diagnosis of Cushing’s disease.

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