PHRM 311 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone, Adrenergic, Blood Sugar
Document Summary
Anxiety etiologic theories: biologic: associated areas of the brain. Hypothalamus: hpa axis mobilization, abnormal function of some neurotransmitters. Dysregulation of the fundamental response that promotes successful coping with stress. The areas of the brain and their function in anxiety. Hypothalamus: decodes amygdala (ne/5ht) crf release. Fear conditioning i. e. pavlov"s dogs shock + bell = fear to bell. Smell of gasoline associated with car accident. Amygdala increases efficiency of neurotransmission in response to feared stimulus. New research shows this can be reversed or reconsolidated . Stress hypothalamus releases crf (corticotropin releasing factor) Binds to receptors at the anterior pituitary and acth (adrenocorticotropic hormone) in the blood stream. Acth acts at adrenal cortex to release cortisol important in stress response. Cortisol stress hormone ; steroid hormone; one of the glucocorticoids. Circadian rhythm cortisol is highest in the early morning. Affects many functions including metabolism and the immune system.
