Cortisol and the stress response Flashcards
what are the Glucocorticoids
cortisol and some corticosterone & cortisone
what is cortisol release a part of
stress response
what does cortisol release do
elevates substrate levels in the blood (glucose/fatty acids)
enhances responses to the sympathetic nervous system
increased receptors for noradrenaline
what are the permissive actions of cortisol
- glycogenolysis (glucagon, adrenaline)
- gluconeogenesis (glucagon, adrenaline)
- lipolysis (glucagon, GH, adrenaline)
what are the direct actions of cortisol
lipogenesis
does the action of cortisol enhance the sympathetic nervous system
yes it increases the number of receptors for NA
what is the physiological action of cortisol
Elevate blood glucose
Elevate fatty acids in blood
Redistribute fat to the abdomen
General loss of protein
what do high doses of cortisol do
- depress immune system
- anti-inflammatory
what controls cortisol release
Negative feedback systems
maintain hormone levels at a
steady-state.
Hypothalamus sets what level
that steady-state should be.
what is the process of cortisol release
stress acts on the hypothalamus, then corticotropin-releasing factor is released acting on the pituitary gland, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is released and acts on the adrenal cortex releasing cortisol
what else is released as part of the stress response
endorphins/enkephalin
what are the actions of ACTH?
Stimulates cortisol release
Stimulates insulin release
Stimulates glucose uptake into muscle
what are the actions of endorphins
reduce pain perception
what can go wrong
chronic steroid treatment where large doses required for anti-inflammatory effect and immunosuppressive effects
what does chronic steroid treatment do
Stimulates feedback
mechanisms
Depresses body’s own steroid production
Body unable to cope without
exogenous steroid
