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Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

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.
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

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...
Physiological Foundation of Stress01:24

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...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands01:17

Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...

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A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
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The pituitary-adrenal axis and body composition.

Eva Fernandez-Rodriguez1, Paul M Stewart, Mark S Cooper

  • 1Division of Medical Sciences, The Institute of Biomedical Research, The Medical School, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham , B15 2TH, UK.

Pituitary
|March 8, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Altered pituitary-adrenal axis activity significantly impacts body composition, affecting fat, bone, muscle, and skin. This review explores the mechanisms behind these changes in conditions like Cushing's syndrome.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolism
  • Body Composition Research

Background:

  • The pituitary-adrenal axis plays a crucial role in regulating body composition.
  • Significant body composition alterations are observed in Cushing's syndrome (CS), depression, and alcoholic pseudocushing's.
  • The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms driving these changes are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the phenotypic changes in body composition associated with altered pituitary-adrenal axis activity.
  • To discuss the mechanisms responsible for these body composition changes.
  • To focus on the effects on adipose tissue, bone, muscle, and skin.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on pituitary-adrenal axis activity and body composition.
  • Analysis of phenotypic changes observed in various conditions.
  • Discussion of proposed pathophysiological mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Altered pituitary-adrenal axis activity leads to diverse body composition changes, including increased fat mass, decreased bone mass, skin thinning, and reduced lean mass.
  • Individual variability in body composition changes is significant and becoming better understood.
  • Specific tissues like adipose, bone, muscle, and skin are disproportionately affected.

Conclusions:

  • The pituitary-adrenal axis is a key regulator of body composition, with significant implications for endocrine disorders.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms driving tissue-specific changes.
  • Understanding these mechanisms can lead to better management of body composition abnormalities in related conditions.