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Allostasis, amygdala, and anticipatory angst
J Schulkin1, B S McEwen, P W Gold
1Clinical Neuroendocrinology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Chronic anticipation of negative events causes arousal pathology, linked to corticotropin-releasing hormone and glucocorticoids in the amygdala. These hormones may drive negative emotional states and psychopathologies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The amygdala plays a role in anticipating negative events.
- Chronic anticipation leads to allostatic load, or arousal pathology.
- Corticotropin-releasing hormone and glucocorticoids are implicated in arousal pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of corticotropin-releasing hormone and glucocorticoids in the amygdala regarding allostatic load.
- To explore the feedback mechanisms of these hormones in the hypothalamus and amygdala.
Main Methods:
- Review of human and animal literature.
- Analysis of neurohormonal signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Increased corticotropin-releasing hormone in the amygdala, influenced by stress or glucocorticoids, may contribute to allostatic load.
- Unlike the hypothalamus's negative feedback, the amygdala exhibits positive feedback, with glucocorticoids increasing its activity.
Conclusions:
- The amygdala's neurohormonal activation is potentially linked to psychopathologies like melancholia.
- Allostatic control mechanisms in the amygdala may differ from homeostatic regulation in the hypothalamus.