Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 22, 2025
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
3.2K
Modeling pulsativity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal hormonal axis
Alexander N Churilov1, John G Milton2
1Faculty of Mathematics and Mechanics, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Scientific Reports
|May 19, 2022
Summary
A new mathematical model reveals pulsatile control in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This model explains biological rhythms and ultradian oscillations, suggesting pulse modulation principles are key to understanding the HPA axis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Mathematical Biology
- Systems Biology
Background:
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates stress response and exhibits complex biological rhythms.
- Existing models often simplify or omit pulsatile dynamics and time delays inherent in hormonal signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel mathematical model for HPA axis biological rhythms.
- To investigate the role of pulsatile adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) release and time delays in HPA axis function.
Main Methods:
- A system of impulsive time-delay differential equations was formulated.
- Numerical simulations were performed to analyze model responses to hypothalamic inputs.
Main Results:
- The model accurately replicates HPA axis responses to circadian and periodic inputs, consistent with previous models.
- Oscillatory phenomena were observed even with zero time delay, indicating pulsatility's primary role.
- The model accounts for ultradian oscillations in the pituitary gland.
Conclusions:
- Adrenal gland effects appear downstream of the pulsatility origin.
- Pulse modulated control principles are crucial for understanding HPA axis dynamics.
- The developed model offers new insights into the mechanisms governing biological rhythms within the HPA axis.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
62.1K
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.
62.1K
01:24Physiological Foundation of Stress
177
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...
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
177
01:31Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
2.9K
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...
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...
2.9K
01:19Regulation of Hormone Secretion
4.2K
Regulation of hormone secretion is a finely tuned orchestration driven by various types of stimuli, encompassing neural, humoral, and hormonal signals. Environmental cues instigate neural stimuli, where action potentials traverse nerve fibers to reach their designated targets. An illustrative scenario is the body's response to stress, wherein the sympathetic nervous system releases epinephrine from the adrenal glands, inducing the well-known 'fight or flight' reaction.
Humoral...
Humoral...
4.2K
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
1.9K
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...
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...
1.9K
01:17Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure
3.3K
Endocrinal or hormonal intervention in the cardiovascular system is predominantly exerted by the catecholamines - epinephrine and norepinephrine, as well as a slew of hormones that interact with renal function to modulate blood volume.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction...
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction...
3.3K