Rhythmicity matters: Circadian and ultradian patterns of HPA axis activity

Caroline M B Focke; Karl J Iremonger

doi:10.1016/j.mce.2019.110652

Rhythmicity matters: Circadian and ultradian patterns of HPA axis activity

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2020 Feb 5:501:110652. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110652. Epub 2019 Nov 15.

Authors

Caroline M B Focke¹, Karl J Iremonger²

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
² Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Electronic address: karl.iremonger@otago.ac.nz.

PMID: 31738971
DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110652

Abstract

Oscillations are a fundamental feature of neural and endocrine systems. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dynamically controls corticosteroid secretion in basal conditions and in response to stress. Across the 24-h day, HPA axis activity oscillates with both an ultradian and circadian rhythm. These rhythms have been shown to be important for regulating metabolism, inflammation, mood, cognition and stress responsiveness. Here we will discuss the neural and endocrine mechanisms driving these rhythms, the physiological importance of these rhythms and health consequences when they are disrupted.

Keywords: Adrenal; Circadian; Corticotropin-releasing hormone; Glucocorticoid receptor; Paraventricular nucleus; Pituitary; Rhythm; Ultradian.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Circadian Rhythm / physiology*
Corticosterone / metabolism
Humans
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / metabolism
Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / physiology*
Pituitary-Adrenal System / metabolism
Pituitary-Adrenal System / physiology*
Stress, Physiological / physiology

Substances

Corticosterone