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Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

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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.
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Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

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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.
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Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

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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...
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Physiological Foundation of Stress01:24

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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.
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Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

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Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 30, 2026

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
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Pituitary-adrenal axis during human development.

Masahiro Goto1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Metropolitan Hachioji Children's Hospital, Tokyo, Japan ; Human Genetics Division, University of Southampton, United Kingdom.

Clinical Pediatric Endocrinology : Case Reports and Clinical Investigations : Official Journal of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology
|May 3, 2014
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human fetal adrenal development is crucial for sexual development and pregnancy. Its enzyme, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B2), plays key roles throughout gestation, impacting fetal maturation and preventing preterm labor.

Keywords:
3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenasefetal adrenalhuman fetusprenatal treatmentsexual differentiation

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Reproductive Science

Background:

  • The human pituitary-adrenal axis activates early in development (7-8 weeks postconception).
  • Prenatal dexamethasone treatment is used for fetuses at risk of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD).
  • 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B2) enzyme activity fluctuates significantly during human fetal development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of human fetal adrenal development and HSD3B2 activity.
  • To understand the implications of HSD3B2 fluctuations for fetal development and pregnancy.
  • To explore the contribution of the backdoor pathway in 21-OHD virilization.

Main Methods:

  • Investigation of early human fetal tissue.
  • Analysis of adrenal steroidogenesis and ACTH secretion.
  • Examination of HSD3B2 activity and its correlation with gestational stages.

Main Results:

  • HSD3B2 is vital for inhibiting androgen production and ensuring normal female sexual development early in gestation.
  • Reduced HSD3B2 in mid-gestation may be necessary for maintaining pregnancy and preventing preterm labor.
  • Reappearance of HSD3B2 in late gestation is critical for fetal maturation and term parturition.
  • Paucity of HSD3B2 in extremely low birth weight newborns may link to late-onset circulation failure.
  • In 21-OHD fetuses, backdoor pathway conversion of 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone to dihydrotestosterone can cause female virilization.

Conclusions:

  • Human fetal adrenal HSD3B2 activity is dynamically regulated throughout gestation, with critical roles in sexual development, pregnancy maintenance, and fetal maturation.
  • Understanding these fluctuations is essential for managing conditions like 21-OHD and optimizing outcomes for preterm infants.