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A Chronic Immobilization Stress Protocol for Inducing Depression-Like Behavior in Mice
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Glucocorticoid sensitivity in mood disorders.

A T Spijker1, E F C van Rossum

  • 1Department of Mood Disorders, PsyQ The Hague, The Netherlands. a.spijker@psyq.nl

Neuroendocrinology
|November 15, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Mood disorders are linked to altered glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity, indicated by higher cortisol levels and a heightened cortisol awakening response (CAR). Genetic and early life factors influence this hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Psychiatry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity plays a crucial role in mood regulation.
  • Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is implicated in mood disorders.
  • Assessing GC sensitivity provides insights into HPA axis function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent literature on glucocorticoid sensitivity in mood disorders.
  • To summarize findings regarding HPA axis activity and GC resistance in mood disorders.
  • To explore the genetic and environmental influences on GC sensitivity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on GC sensitivity and mood disorders.
  • Analysis of studies measuring cortisol awakening rise (CAR).
  • Examination of data from dexamethasone suppression tests (DST) and related challenges.
  • Inclusion of hair cortisol analysis as a retrospective measure.
  • Discussion of genetic polymorphisms in HPA axis-related genes.

Main Results:

  • Mood disorders exhibit higher mean hair cortisol levels and an elevated CAR, suggesting HPA axis hyperactivity.
  • Evidence points to mild glucocorticoid resistance during mood episodes.
  • Genetic variations in GC receptors, mineralocorticoid receptors, and FKBP5 influence GC sensitivity.
  • Epigenetic modifications also impact HPA axis regulation.

Conclusions:

  • HPA axis hyperactivity and altered GC sensitivity are characteristic of mood disorders.
  • Genetic and epigenetic factors, alongside early life experiences like trauma and in utero influences, are critical determinants.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the biological underpinnings of cortisol exposure in mood regulation.