Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
08:02
Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Cortisol response to inoculation in 4-year-old children
Lisa P Kestler1, Michael Lewis
1Institute for the Study of Child Development, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 97 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA. lisa.kestler@gmail.com
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|January 27, 2009
Summary
Children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric stress response
- Child psychology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cortisol levels in children can be influenced by anticipation of stressful events.
- Previous research has explored the physiological stress response in children during medical procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cortisol response in 4-year-old children during inoculation.
- To differentiate between anticipatory stress and inoculation stress in children's cortisol levels.
Main Methods:
- Saliva samples collected at home (baseline) and at the doctor's office (pre- and post-inoculation).
- Analysis of cortisol levels to assess stress responses.
- Correlation of cortisol changes with behavioral functioning ratings.
Main Results:
- Pre-inoculation cortisol levels at the doctor's office were higher than home-based levels, indicating anticipatory stress.
- Post-inoculation cortisol levels did not differ significantly from home-based levels.
- Individual variations in cortisol response were observed and linked to internalizing and externalizing behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The primary cortisol elevation in children before inoculation is likely due to anticipation, not the inoculation itself.
- Individual differences in cortisol response correlate with behavioral patterns in children.
- Findings highlight the psychological impact of medical visits on young children's stress physiology.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:37Hypothalamic-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.
01:19Cushing 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...
02:45Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Every organism has an optimum temperature range within which healthy growth and physiological functioning can occur. At the ends of this range, there will be a minimum and maximum temperature that interrupt biological processes.
01:31Hormones 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...
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...
01:24Physiological 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...
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...