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Related Experiment Videos

Nitric oxide in the stress axis

M O López-Figueroa1, H E Day, H Akil

  • 1Mental Health Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109-0720, USA.

Histology and Histopathology
|November 12, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Nitric oxide (NO) is a biological messenger involved in the stress response. This review explores NO's role in regulating the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (LHPA) axis and stress hormones.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Nitric oxide (NO) is a diffusible gas synthesized from L-arginine by nitric oxide synthase (NOS).
  • Three subtypes of NOS exist, with NOS subtype I found in the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (LHPA) axis.
  • The LHPA axis is central to the body's stress response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest insights into the function of NO.
  • To specifically examine the relationship between NO and the LHPA axis.
  • To elucidate NO's role in modulating stress hormone release.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on NO and the LHPA axis.
  • Analysis of evidence regarding NOS activity and transcription in the LHPA axis.
  • Examination of feedback mechanisms involving glucocorticoids and NOS.

Main Results:

  • NO may modulate the release of ACTH and corticosterone.
  • NOS activity and transcription increase in the LHPA axis during stress.
  • Glucocorticoids may down-regulate NOS activity and transcription via feedback.

Conclusions:

  • NO plays a regulatory role in the LHPA axis, though not fully defined.
  • NO may function as a cellular communicator, neurotransmitter facilitator, immune mediator, or vasodilator.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand NO's complex functions in the stress response.

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