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The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and antidepressant action

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Book cover Antidepressants

Part of the book series: Milestones in Drug Therapy MDT ((MDT))

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Abstract

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is the core stress axis in man, and together with the sympathoadrenal medullary system (SAM) it co-ordinates response to the diverse range of stressors, from psychological to physical. There is considerable interplay between both neuronal systems, especially between the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus which provides central regulation of the SAM and the parvocellular neurones which regulate the HPA. The SAM by triggering catecholamine release provides the acute stress response, whilst the HPA governs longer term stress defence mechanisms. Together these systems regulate energy utilisation and metabolic activity throughout the body.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

    Timothy G. Dinan

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  1. Timothy G. Dinan
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Pharmacology Department, University College Galway, Galway, Ireland

    Brian E. Leonard

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© 2001 Springer Basel AG

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Dinan, T.G. (2001). The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and antidepressant action. In: Leonard, B.E. (eds) Antidepressants. Milestones in Drug Therapy MDT. Birkhäuser, Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-8344-3_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-8344-3_6

  • Publisher Name: Birkhäuser, Basel

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-0348-9526-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-0348-8344-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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