Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.

Physiological Foundation of Stress

Physiological Foundation of Stress

Stress triggers a coordinated physiological response involving the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This dual activation ensures that the body is prepared for both immediate and prolonged stress management. The process begins with the perception of a stressor. This initial phase activates the SNS, leading to the rapid release of adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal glands.
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

Chronic stress has been linked to both the onset and progression of serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes and cancer. Type 2 diabetes, a widespread chronic illness, is closely associated with obesity and insulin resistance, both of which often worsen under stress. Studies indicate that men experiencing high levels of chronic stress face a 45% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to those with minimal stress. Stress triggers physiological responses that elevate blood...

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Restraint Induces Sickness Responses Independent of Injection with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-Encoded dUTPase.

Journal of behavioral and brain science·2026

Same author

Stress-induced Norepinephrine Downregulates CCL2 in Macrophages to Suppress Tumor Growth in a Model of Malignant Melanoma.

Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.)·2020

Same author

Catecholamines can mediate stress-related effects on tumor progression.

Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism·2019

Same author

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Stress-Induced Immune Dysregulation: Implications for Wound Healing.

Military medicine·2016

Same author

Chronic Physical Stress Does Not Interact with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-Encoded Dutpase to Alter the Sickness Response.

Journal of behavioral and brain science·2016

Same author

Marital discord, past depression, and metabolic responses to high-fat meals: Interpersonal pathways to obesity.

Psychoneuroendocrinology·2014

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

Published on: July 10, 2017

Stress hormones and immune function.

Jeanette I Webster Marketon¹, Ronald Glaser

¹Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.

Cellular Immunology

|February 19, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Chronic stress elevates stress hormones, negatively impacting immune function and leading to health issues like impaired wound healing and increased cancer risk. This research highlights the significant link between stress, immunity, and overall health outcomes.

More Related Videos

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress

Published on: October 19, 2011

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

Published on: July 10, 2017

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress

The Trier Social Stress Test Protocol for Inducing Psychological Stress

Published on: October 19, 2011

Area of Science:

Neuroendocrinology
Immunology
Psychoneuroimmunology

Background:

Stress is known to activate the neuroendocrine system.
Previous research suggests a link between stress hormones and immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effects of stress on neuroendocrine hormones.
To examine the impact of stress hormones on immune function.
To explore the health consequences of stress-induced immune alterations.

Main Methods:

Conducted studies on animal models and human subjects over 20 years.
Measured levels of neuroendocrine hormones, including glucocorticoids and catecholamines.
Assessed various aspects of immune function, such as NK cell activity and lymphocyte proliferation.

Main Results:

Stress significantly increases levels of glucocorticoids, catecholamines, prolactin, growth hormone, and nerve growth factor.
Elevated stress hormones demonstrably impair immune function, reducing NK cell activity, lymphocyte populations, and antibody production.
Stress also leads to the reactivation of latent viral infections.

Conclusions:

Stress-induced alterations in neuroendocrine hormones have detrimental effects on the immune system.
These immune changes have significant health implications, including delayed wound healing, reduced vaccine efficacy, and potential cancer development/progression.
The study provides robust scientific evidence for the impact of stress on immune function and health.