Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_5367_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана

FIGURE 5.2 Diagrammatic representation of stress pathway, representing HPA axis dys­regulation. Stress activates a complex network of major endocrine hormones known as the HPA axis. Hypothalamus secretes CRH into the bloodstream and increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, signalling the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone. ACTH released into the bloodstream travels down to the adrenal cortex, resulting in adrenal glands to secrete glucocorticoids like cortisol. Cortisol has receptors in almost all cell types and helps our body cope with the immediate stress by negative feedback mecha­nism that impact back on the function of the hypothalamus and pituitary. In case of extreme persistent stress, it overloads the HPA axis and it continues to release hormones on acceler­ated basis leading to desensitisation and stop recognising signals to stop producing corti­sol. It results in non-functioning of negative feedback loop leading to various metabolical, neuropsychological and inammatory disorders. Introduction of herbal phytoconstituents results in blockage of stress response by modulation of the HPA axis through corticotrophin­releasing hormone and cortisol. Abbreviations: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS).