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Short days increase hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responsiveness
Leah M Pyter1, Jaimie D Adelson, Randy J Nelson
1Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Endocrinology
|March 31, 2007
Summary
Short winter days enhance stress hormone responses and improve the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in mice, potentially aiding winter survival. These changes may affect how animals learn and respond to environmental challenges.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Physiology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Seasonal changes significantly impact animal physiology and behavior.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is crucial for stress response, but its seasonal modulation remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how photoperiod (day length) affects the HPA axis and corticosterone's role in spatial learning in white-footed mice.
- To understand the adaptive significance of these changes for winter survival.
Main Methods:
- Examined corticosterone responses to restraint and HPA axis negative feedback sensitivity under short and long photoperiods.
- Assessed hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor gene expression and corticosterone's impact on spatial learning using a water maze task.
- Investigated corticosterone responses to stressors during the water maze task.
Main Results:
- Short days increased corticosterone responses to restraint and hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor expression.
- Enhanced HPA axis negative feedback and dexamethasone sensitivity were observed under short-day conditions.
- Corticosterone inhibition impaired spatial learning; however, water maze exposure alone increased corticosterone in short-day mice, complicating interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Photoperiod significantly modulates the HPA axis and corticosterone's effects on behavior in preparation for winter.
- These seasonal adjustments in stress response and learning may represent adaptive strategies for survival in challenging environments.
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