Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

71.2K
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.
71.2K
Physiological Foundation of Stress01:24

Physiological Foundation of Stress

1.1K
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...
1.1K
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

7.0K
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...
7.0K
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

1.2K
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
1.2K
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

4.2K
Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
4.2K
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

125
The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such...
125

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Signatures in the Protein Content of Human and Murine Blood Serum Exosomes, in the Context of Major Depressive Disorder, Are Associated with Cytokine Activity.

Cells·2026
Same author

Anticonvulsant activity of aza-Biginelli derivatives related to JM-II-43A and HSAB-based rationalization of their pharmacological profile.

Journal of computer-aided molecular design·2026
Same author

Quality of life in the postpartum period of Mexican women living with HIV: The role of clinical and sociodemographic factors.

PloS one·2026
Same author

Posterior cingulate GABA levels are associated with depression severity during the premenstrual phase in women.

Journal of affective disorders·2026
Same author

Exploring the Link Between Enriched Environment and Depression: Insights From Human Participants.

Actas espanolas de psiquiatria·2025
Same author

Environmental Enrichment: An Underestimated Factor Associated With Depression.

The International journal of social psychiatry·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

3.9K

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function during perinatal depression.

Phillipe Leff Gelman1, Mónica Flores-Ramos, Margarita López-Martínez

  • 1National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, Mexico, pleff@ymail.com.

Neuroscience Bulletin
|March 4, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Major depressive disorder in pregnant women involves abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function, leading to hormonal imbalances that can harm fetal development. Early intervention is crucial for maternal and infant well-being.

More Related Videos

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents
07:30

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

Published on: June 10, 2013

25.8K
Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model
04:20

Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model

Published on: July 12, 2024

3.0K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

3.9K
Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents
07:30

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

Published on: June 10, 2013

25.8K
Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model
04:20

Author Spotlight: Exploring Microglial Interactions with Stress-Response Circuitry Using the Limited Bedding and Nesting Model

Published on: July 12, 2024

3.0K

Area of Science:

  • Neuroendocrinology
  • Reproductive Immunology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) in pregnancy is linked to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction.
  • HPA axis dysregulation involves elevated cortisol, pro-inflammatory cytokines, peptide hormones, and catecholamines, with decreased dehydroepiandrosterone.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the HPA axis's role in pregnant women with MDD.
  • To understand the implications of HPA axis dysfunction on fetal allograft development and maternal-fetal health.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of hormonal profiles (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, peptide hormones, catecholamines) in pregnant women with MDD.
  • Assessment of immune system balance (TH2) and placental factors.
  • Consideration of epigenetic modifications influencing HPA axis regulation.

Main Results:

  • Pregnant women with MDD exhibit elevated cortisol and pro-inflammatory markers, indicating HPA axis hyperactivity.
  • Altered immune and placental factors may contribute to persistent HPA axis dysfunction.
  • Reduced placental 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 activity can increase fetal cortisol exposure.

Conclusions:

  • HPA axis dysfunction in pregnant MDD is a significant pathological finding with potential adverse effects on fetal development.
  • Therapeutic strategies should focus on mitigating stressor impacts to protect both mother and fetus.
  • Early recognition and management of affective disorders during pregnancy are essential.