Modeling the Influence of Seasonal Differences in the HPA Axis on Synchronization of the Circadian Clock and Cell Cycle.

ABSTRACT: Synchronization of biological functions to environmental signals enables organisms to anticipate and appropriately respond to daily external fluctuations and is critical to the maintenance of homeostasis. Misalignment of circadian rhythms with environmental cues is associated with adverse health outcomes. Cortisol, the downstream effector of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity, facilitates synchronization of peripheral biological processes to the environment. Cortisol levels exhibit substantial seasonal rhythmicity, with peak levels occurring during the short-photoperiod winter months and reduced levels occurring in the long-photoperiod summer season. Seasonal changes in cortisol secretion could therefore alter its entraining capabilities, resulting in a season-dependent modifica

SUBMITTER: Pierre K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6044315 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature