Effects of Physical Stress and Maturational Changes on Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis Function Through Cortisol Analysis
Type of Submission
Poster
Keywords
Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis function, cortisol analysis
Campus Venue
Dixon Ministry Center, Alumni Hall
Location
Cedarville, OH
Start Date
4-10-2013 1:00 PM
End Date
4-10-2013 5:00 PM
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.
Apr 10th, 1:00 PM
Apr 10th, 5:00 PM
Effects of Physical Stress and Maturational Changes on Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis Function Through Cortisol Analysis
Cedarville, OH
Comments
Abstract:
Cortisol is a versatile hormone that possesses both catabolic and anabolic functions in the body, such as increasing the blood glucose levels through gluconeogenesis and metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Cortisol levels are controlled by communication of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis). Plasma concentration of cortisol adheres to a diurnal rhythm, meaning that cortisol levels are highest in the morning and taper off throughout the day. Free cortisol levels in the body are most commonly measured by salivary assays. External factors, such as stress, initiate the process that produces cortisol in the body. Stressors can be physical, psychosocial, or physiological/pathological in nature. Physical stressors, such as exercise, are the factors that will be evaluated in this study. Currently, there is a shortage of studies investigating the impact of stress on HPA axis response and cortisol levels. The insight gained from this study will lend greater understanding to the HPA axis function in response to stress and maturation. As greater understanding is achieved, this will lead to personalized medication profiles and therapeutic dosing regimens for patients with cortisol regulation disorders.