L5 Stress-related disorders

Question 1

Acute physiological stress activates…

Answer 1

(i) the sympatho-adrenal medullary (SAM) system
(ii) the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis

Question 2

CRH is produced by

Answer 2

PVN of hypothalamus

Question 3

What happens when CRH binds its receptors?

Answer 3

stimulation of cAMP pathway, ACTH release

Question 4

How does cortisol exert its effects?

Answer 4

by binding to glucocorticoid receptors

Question 5

How is the HPA axis regulated?

Answer 5

• negative feedback
• diurnal rhythm

Question 6

What are the consequences of stress?

Answer 6

Acute = adaptation
Chronic = maladaptation –> disorders

Question 7

Behavioural models of anxiety

Answer 7

EPM and light/dark

Question 8

Behavioural models of depression

Answer 8

social interaction and FST

Question 9

Behavioural model of learning and memory impairment

Answer 9

RAWM

Question 10

Two types of chronic psychosocial stress measured using animal models

Answer 10

• chronic unpredictable variable stress (decreased sucrose preference, increased immobility in FST)
• social defeat stress (increased immobility, decreased social interaction, decreased sucrose preference)

Question 11

Model of single prolonged stress

Answer 11

PTSD - inescapable shock, predator stress, single prolonged stress, chronic restraint

Question 12

Effect of PTSD on HPA output

Answer 12

reduced HPA output

Question 13

Effect of major depression or chronic stress on HPA output

Answer 13

increased HPA output

Question 14

Model of early-life stress-induced pain

Answer 14

Maternal separation

Question 15

Effect of PTSD on HPA axis

Answer 15

HPA axis hypoactivation
- blunted response to CRH
- reduced ACTH output
- low circulating cortisol
- GR hypersensitivity
- altered negative feedback loop

Question 16

What does stress do to synapses?

Answer 16

induces synaptic atrophy