Hormones of the Stress-Response

Hormones of the Stress-Response

• Outline of the control of Glucocorticoids secretion. A stressor is sensed or anticipated in the brain, triggering the release of CRH (and related hormones) by the Hypothalamus. These hormones enter the private circulatory system linking the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary, causing the release of ACTH by the anterior pituitary. ACTH enters the general circulation and triggers the release of glucocorticoids by the adrenal gland. (Location 589)

  Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones. (Steroid is used to describe the general chemical structure of five classes of hormones: androgens—the famed “anabolic” steroids like testosterone that get you thrown out of the Olympics—estrogens, progestins, mineralocorticoids, and glucocorticoids.) (Location 584)

  When something stressful happens or you think a stressful thought, the hypothalamus secretes an array of releasing hormones into the hypothalamic-pituitary circulatory system that gets the ball rolling. The principal such releaser is called CRH (corticotropin releasing hormone), while a variety of more minor players synergize with CRH.* Within fifteen seconds or so, CRH triggers the pituitary to release the hormone ACTH (also known as corticotropin). After ACTH is released into the bloodstream, it reaches the adrenal gland and, within a few minutes, triggers glucocorticoid release. Together, glucocorticoids and the secretions of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) (epinephrine and Norepinephrine) account for a large percentage of what happens in your body during Stress. These are the workhorses of the stress-response. (Location 593)
  ⇒ Stress-Response

  In addition, in times of stress your pancreas is stimulated to release a hormone called Glucagon. Glucocorticoids, glucagon, and the sympathetic nervous system raise circulating levels of the sugar Glucose. As we will see, these hormones are essential for mobilizing energy during stress. Other hormones are activated as well. The pituitary secretes Prolactin, which, among other effects, plays a role in suppressing reproduction during stress. Both the pituitary and the brain also secrete a class of endogenous morphine-like substances called Endorphins and enkephalins, which help blunt pain perception, among other things. Finally, the pituitary also secretes Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone, which plays a role in the cardiovascular stress-response. (Location 600)

• The secretion of various reproductive hormones such as Estrogen, Progesterone, and testosterone is inhibited. Hormones related to growth (such as growth hormone) are also inhibited, as is the secretion of Insulin, a pancreatic hormone that normally tells your body to store energy for later use. (Location 606)

• see also

  Tags: neurobiology science
  Superlink: 051 ☣Neurobiology 050 🧠Neuroscience

• Quellen

  2 Glands Gooseflesh and Hormones

  Erstellt: 29-08-22 22:16