Abstract
Sensitisation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) to stress may play an important role in the etiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders. Maternal care is paramount for the long-term adjustment of HPA axis reactivity in offspring of rodents and primates. Variations in maternal care change the expression of genes important for neuroendocrine and behavioral reactions to stress (genes for corticoliberin, corticoliberin receptors, glucocorticoid receptors, central benzodiazepine receptors). Changes in maternal care caused by adoption or handling are transferred across generations as well as changes in HPA axis activity and reactivity to stress. Similar mechanisms seem to be active in humans. Early traumatic experiences may have long-term effects on psychological development. Lasting changes in the activity of HPA axis seem to mediate these effects. The article reviews the evidence for nongenomic transmission of stress reactivity in animals and men. HPA axis physiology and pathophysiology and possibilities of both non-pharmacological (tactile stimulation of infants, psychotherapy) and pharmacological (CRH antagonists, inhibitors of corticosteroid synthesis etc.) treatments of HPA axis dysregulation are also discussed.
| Translated title of the contribution | The role of nongenomic transmission of stress reactivity in the etiology of psychiatric disorders |
|---|---|
| Original language | Czech |
| Pages (from-to) | 168-174 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Psychiatrie |
| Volume | 5 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 2001 |
| Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
