Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Biomarkers in an Animal Model for Revealing Neural, Hematologic, and Behavioral Correlates of PTSD
Published on: October 10, 2012
Elevated plasma corticotrophin-releasing hormone levels in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder
C S de Kloet1, E Vermetten, E Geuze
1Altrecht Institute for Mental Health Care, Zeist, The Netherlands. c.de.kloet@altrecht.nl
Abstract:
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with alterations in corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) secretion. Plasma CRH levels, which are easily acquired, might serve as a predictor of hypothalamic CRH levels. Assessment of plasma CRH, adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ACTH), and cortisol levels in 31 veterans with PTSD, 30 traumatized veterans without PTSD matched on age, year, and region of deployment (traumacontrols), and 28 age-matched healthy controls (HCs) was carried out. Plasma CRH levels were higher in PTSD patients compared to both HCs (p=0.005) and traumacontrols (p=0.007). This led to our conclusion, that elevated plasma CRH levels are specifically related to PTSD and not to exposure to traumatic stress during deployment.
Related Concept Videos
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
