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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...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Assessing Primary Motor Cortex Excitability and Excitability Modulation by Pairing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Electromyography
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Published on: October 7, 2025

Cortisol-induced effects on human cortical excitability.

Paolo Milani1, Pietro Piu, Traian Popa

  • 1Sezione di Neurofisiologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche e del Comportamento, Universita' di Siena, Siena, Italy.

Brain Stimulation
|July 17, 2010
PubMed
Summary

High cortisol levels rapidly boost corticospinal excitability and decrease inhibitory neurotransmission in humans. This rapid effect, observed within 15 minutes, suggests a non-genomic mechanism influencing motor control.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Human Motor Physiology

Background:

  • Cortisol is a potential neuromodulator.
  • Its rapid influence on human motor system activity remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the rapid effects of elevated circulating cortisol on corticospinal and motor cortical excitability in humans.

Main Methods:

  • Administered intravenous hydrocortisone or saline to healthy subjects.
  • Measured plasma cortisol levels and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) via transcranial magnetic stimulation.
  • Assessed short-intracortical inhibition before and after intervention.

Main Results:

  • Hydrocortisone rapidly increased plasma cortisol levels.
  • MEP amplitude and variability significantly increased post-hydrocortisone.
  • Short-intracortical inhibition significantly decreased within 15 minutes.
  • Saline administration showed no significant effects.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated cortisol rapidly enhances corticospinal excitability in humans.
  • Cortisol reduces gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity, indicated by decreased short-intracortical inhibition.
  • These rapid, nongenomic effects may be relevant for motor learning and plasticity.