The underlying genetic components contributing to individual variability in functions of the stress-responsive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are poorly understood. To determine genetic loci mediating three aspects of the adrenocortical function, we conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis in the segregating F2 generation of a Wistar Kyoto (WKY) x Fischer 344 (F344) cross,...

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) are typical examples of multifunctional pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in the regulation immune response, hematopoiesis, inflammation. Both peripheral intraventricular administration these causes acute phase symptoms, e.g. fever, activation hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis psychological depression. The amygdala belongs to structures limbic s...

Stress is believed to be harmful to not only mental but also physical health. However, proving a link between stress and disease is difficult. A recent study reported that an environmental enrichment reduced cancer growth via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and leptin. Here, we report that mice kept in a fragrant environment enriched with α-pinene show reduced melanoma growth. Tumor vol...

Plasma levels of corticosterone (B) respond acutely to exercise in all mammals that have been studied, but the literature contains conflicting reports regarding how chronic activity alters this response. We measured acute and chronic effects of voluntary activity on B in a novel animal model, mice selectively bred for high voluntary wheel running. Female mice were housed with or without wheels ...

It is widely acknowledged that the nature of the maternal care a child receives can have long-term repercussions, and that children raised in deprived environments can have severe cognitive and behavioural difficulties that last into adulthood. The mechanisms underlying these effects are not understood, but recent data from rodents provide insight into a potential molecular mechanism. Like huma...

A single postnatal exposure to the bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), reduces the neuroimmune response to a subsequent LPS exposure in the adult rat. The attenuated fever and proinflammatory response is caused by a paradoxical, amplified, early corticosterone response to LPS. Here we identify the mechanisms underlying the heightened corticosterone response to LPS in adults after ear...

Introduction: Glucocorticoids are considered the cornerstone of the induction phase in all treatment protocols of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Among the adverse effects of high-dose glucocorticoid treatment, adrenal insufficiency is secondary to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This drawback of exogenous steroid therapy gains a contemporary particular relevan...

Dysregulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is seen in numerous mental disorders. Data of HPA axis disturbance in panic disorder are inconsistent. In panic disorder HPA axis hyperactivity has been observed with elevated cortisol levels. However, hypocortisolism has also been noted. Salivary cortisol as a biomarker of HPA-axis activity has received special attention. The aim of th...

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses to psychological stress are exacerbated in adult female but not male rats made obese due to overfeeding in early life. Ghrelin, traditionally known for its role in energy homeostasis, has been recently recognised for its role in coordinating the HPA responses to stress, particularly by acting directly at the anterior pituitary where the gr...

Adrenal disease, whether primary, caused by defects in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, or secondary, caused by defects outside the HPA axis, usually results in adrenal insufficiency, which requires lifelong daily replacement of corticosteroids. However, this kind of therapy is far from ideal as physiological demand for steroids varies considerably throughout the day and increases...