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S A MacDougall-Shackleton1, F Bonier2, L M Romero3

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Glucocorticoids are not just "stress hormones." Measuring or manipulating these hormones doesn't equate to measuring or inducing a stress response. Clarity in research is needed to avoid misinterpretations.

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Area of Science:

  • Comparative endocrinology
  • Environmental endocrinology
  • Vertebrate physiology

Background:

  • Glucocorticoids (e.g., cortisol, corticosterone) are increasingly referred to as "stress hormones" in scientific literature.
  • While glucocorticoid levels rise during stress, their primary functions extend beyond stress response.
  • These hormones are only one part of a larger physiological and behavioral reaction to stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the problematic and misleading use of the term "stress hormone" in scientific discourse.
  • To highlight the inaccuracies of equating glucocorticoid measurement or manipulation with stress response assessment.
  • To recommend clearer terminology and experimental design in endocrine research.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and commentary on existing research practices.
  • Analysis of the functional roles of glucocorticoids in vertebrate animals.
  • Discussion of the implications of using functional names for hormones.

Main Results:

  • The phrase "stress hormone" is an oversimplification that can obscure the broader functions of glucocorticoids.
  • Measuring glucocorticoids alone does not equate to measuring a stress response.
  • Manipulating glucocorticoids is not the same as inducing a stressor.

Conclusions:

  • Avoid using functional names like "stress hormone" for glucocorticoids to prevent misinterpretation.
  • Distinguish clearly between glucocorticoids, stressors, and the stress response in research.
  • Implement precise language and experimental designs to accurately represent endocrine functions and stress physiology.