Ultradian rhythmicity of plasma cortisol is necessary for normal emotional and cognitive responses in man.

ABSTRACT: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are secreted in an ultradian, pulsatile pattern that emerges from delays in the feedforward-feedback interaction between the anterior pituitary and adrenal glands. Dynamic oscillations of GCs are critical for normal cognitive and metabolic function in the rat and have been shown to modulate the pattern of GC-sensitive gene expression, modify synaptic activity, and maintain stress responsiveness. In man, current cortisol replacement therapy does not reproduce physiological hormone pulses and is associated with psychopathological symptoms, especially apathy and attenuated motivation in engaging with daily activities. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that the pattern of GC dynamics in the brain is of crucial importance for regulating cognitive and behavioral proces

SUBMITTER: Kalafatakis K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5924881 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature