Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Evaluation of a Reliable Biomarker in a Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Mouse Model of Sepsis
Published on: December 9, 2022
Vitamin C: an essential "stress hormone" during sepsis
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.
Abstract:
The stress response is a preserved evolutionary response that functions to enhance the survival of the species. In mammals, the stress response is characterized by activation of the HPA axis and sympathoadrenal system (SAS) as well as the increased synthesis and secretion of vitamin C. Cortisol, catecholamines, and vitamin C act synergistically to increase hemodynamic reserve, maintain immune function and protect the host against excessive oxidant injury. Humans (and anthropoid apes) have lost the ability to synthesize vitamin C and therefore have an impaired stress response. The inability to produce vitamin C has serious implications in septic humans. Treatment with vitamin C appears to restore the stress response and improve the survival of stressed humans.
Related Concept Videos
Stress Response System
Alarm stage
In the alarm stage, the body's...
Physiological Foundation of Stress
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Other Stress Responses in Bacteria
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Components of Stress
Interestingly, the hidden cube faces also experience these stresses, equal and...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

