The interplay between rapid and slow corticosteroid actions in brain
Marian Joëls1, Natasha Pasricha1, Henk Karst1
1Department of Neuroscience & Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Pharmacology
|July 27, 2013
Summary
Stress hormones like corticosteroids impact brain function through mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors. These receptors mediate rapid and slow effects crucial for immediate responses and long-term cognitive adaptation, influencing behavior and potentially psychopathology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Stress triggers the release of corticosteroids, key signaling molecules in the brain.
- Corticosteroids act via mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors, influencing neuronal function.
- These receptors mediate both rapid, non-genomic and slower, genomic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the distinct roles of mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors in stress response.
- To understand the interplay between rapid and slow corticosteroid signaling pathways.
- To explore the link between receptor function, neuronal changes, and psychopathology.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing literature on corticosteroid signaling and receptor mechanisms.
- It synthesizes findings on the neurobiological underpinnings of stress adaptation.
- It discusses the implications of disrupted corticosteroid signaling in psychiatric disorders.
Main Results:
- Mineralocorticoid receptors mediate rapid, non-genomic effects crucial for immediate behavioral responses to danger.
- Glucocorticoid receptors mediate slower, genomic effects impacting higher cognitive functions hours after stress.
- The interaction of rapid and slow pathways is essential for adaptive behavioral responses.
Conclusions:
- Both rapid and slow corticosteroid actions are vital for successful behavioral adaptation to stress.
- Chronic stress and receptor dysregulation can lead to structural and functional neuronal alterations.
- These alterations may contribute to the development of psychopathology.
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