The role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in neuroendocrine responses to stress

Abstract

Animals respond to stress by activating a wide array of behavioral and physiological responses that are collectively referred to as the stress response. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a central role in the stress response by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In response to stress, CRF initiates a cascade of events that culminate in the release of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex. As a result of the great number of physiological and behavioral effects exerted by glucocorticoids, several mechanisms have evolved to control HPA axis activation and integrate the stress response. Glucocorticoid feedback inhibition plays a prominent role in regulating the magnitude and duration of glucocorticoid release. In addition to glucocorticoid feedback, the HPA axis is regulated at the level of the hypothalamus by a diverse group of afferent projections from limbic, mid-brain, and brain stem nuclei. The stress response is also mediated in part by brain stem noradrenergic neurons, sympathetic andrenornedullary circuits, and parasympathetic systems. In summary, the aim of this review is to discuss the role of the HPA axis in the integration of adaptive responses to stress. We also identify and briefly describe the major neuronal and endocrine systems that contribute to the regulation of the HPA axis and the maintenance of homeostasis in the face of aversive stimuli.

Stress is commonly defined as a state of real or perceived threat to homeostasis. Maintenance of homeostasls In the presence of averslve stimuli (stressors) requires activation of a complex range of responses involving the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems, collectively known as the stress response.^1,2 Activation of the stress response initiates a number of behavioral and physiological changes that improve an individual's chance of survival when faced with homeostatic challenges. Behavioral effects of the stress response include increased awareness, improved cognition, euphoria, and enhanced analgesia.^1,3 Physiological adaptations initiated by activation of this system include increased cardiovascular tone, respiratory rate, and intermediate metabolism, along with inhibition of general vegetative functions such as feeding, digestion, growth, reproduction, and immunity.^4,5 Due to the wide array of physiologic and potentially pathogenic effects of the stress response, a number of neuronal and endocrine systems function to tightly regulate this adaptive process.

Anatomy of the stress response

The anatomical structures that mediate the stress response are found in both the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. The principal effectors of the stress response are localized in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and the adrenal gland. This collection of structures is commonly referred to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (Figure 1). In addition to the HPA axis, several other structures play important roles in the regulation of adaptive responses to stress. These include brain stem noradrenergic neurons, sympathetic andrenomedullary circuits, and parasympathetic systems.^5-7

Figure 1. Schematic representation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Hypophysiotropic neurons localized in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus synthesize corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and vasopressin (AVP). In response to stress, CRF is released into hypophysial portal vessels that access the anterior pituitary gland. Binding of CRF to the CRF type 1 receptor (CRFR1) on pituitary corticotropes activates cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) pathway events that induce the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) into the systemic circulation. In the presence of CRF, AVP elicits synergistic effects on ACTH release that are mediated through the vasopressin V_1b receptor. Circulating ACTH binds to the melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2-R) in the adrenal cortex where it stimulates glucocorticoid synthesis and secretion into the systemic circulation. Glucocorticoids regulate physiological events and inhibit further HPA axis activation (red lines) through intracellular receptors that are widely distributed throughout the brain and peripheral tissues. IP3, inositol triphosphate; DAG, diacylglycerol .

The HPA axis

Hypophysiotropic neurons localized in the medial parvocellular subdivision of the PVN synthesize and secrete corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), the principle regulator of the HPA axis.^8,9 In response to stress, CRF is released into hypophysial portal vessels that access the anterior pituitary gland. Binding of CRF to its receptor on pituitary corticotropes induces the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) into the systemic circulation. The principal target for circulating ACTH is the adrenal cortex, where it stimulates glucocorticoid synthesis and secretion from the zona fasciculata. Glucocorticoids are the downstream effectors of the HPA axis and regulate physiological changes through ubiquitously distributed intracellular receptors.^10,11 The biological effects of glucocorticoids are usually adaptive; however, inadequate or excessive activation of the HPA axis may contribute to the development of pathologies.^10,12

The CRF family of peptides

Corticotropin-releasing factor is a 41 amino acid peptide that was originally isolated from ovine hypothalamic tissue in 1981. ⁸ Since this initial identification, CRF has been shown to be the primary regulator of ACTH release from anterior pituitary corticotropes⁹ and has also been implicated in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, learning and memory, feeding, and reproductionrelated behaviors.^13-19 CRF is widely expressed through-out the central nervous system (CNS) and in a number of peripheral tissues. In the brain, CRF is concentrated in the medial parvocellular subdivision of the PVN and is also localized in the olfactory bulb, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), medial preoptic area, lateral hypothalamus, central nucleus of the amygdala, Barington's nucleus, dorsal motor complex, and inferior olive.²⁰ In the periphery, CRF has been detected in the adrenal gland, testis, placenta, gastrointestinal tract, thymus, and skin.^21-23

Three additional members of the CRF peptide family have recently been identified. These include urocortin (Ucn) l²⁴ and the recently cloned Ucn 2²⁵ and Ucn 3,²⁶ which are also known as stresscopin-related peptide and stresscopin,²⁷ respectively In the mammalian brain, Ucn 1 is predominantly expressed in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus²⁴ and Ucn 2 expression is restricted to the PVN and locus coeruleus.²⁵ Ucn 3 has a wider distribution in the brain and is localized in the perifornical area of the hypothalamus, BNST, lateral septum (LS), and amygdala.²⁸ The widespread anatomical distribution of CRF and the urocortins correlates well with the diverse array of physiological functions associated with this peptide family

CRF receptors

The physiological actions of the CRF family of peptides are mediated through two distinct receptor subtypes belonging to the class B family of G-protein coupled receptors.²⁹ The CRF type 1 receptor (CRFR1) gene encodes one functional variant (α) in humans and rodents along with several nonfunctional splice variants.^30-32 The CRF type 2 receptor (CRFR2) has three functional splice variants in human (α, β, and γ) and two in rodents (α and β) resulting from the use of alternate 5' starting exons.^33,34

CRFR1 is expressed at high levels in the brain and pituitary and low levels in peripheral tissues. The highest levels of CRFR1 expression are found in the anterior pituitary, olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. In peripheral tissues, low levels of CRFR1 are found in the adrenal gland, testis, and ovary.^35,36 In contrast, CRFR2 is highly expressed in peripheral tissues and localized in a limited number of nuclei in the brain.³⁷ In rodents, the CRF type 2α splice variant is preferentially expressed in the mammalian brain and is localized in the lateral septum, BNST, ventral medial hypothalamus, and mesencephalic raphe nuclei.³⁶ The CRF type 2β variant is expressed in the periphery and is concentrated in the heart, skeletal muscle, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract.^29,38,39

Radioligand binding and functional assays have revealed that CRFR1 and CRFR2 have different pharmacological profiles. CRF binds to the CRFR1 with higher affinity than to CRFR2.^29,33 Ucnl has high affinity for both CRFR1 and CRFR2 and is more potent than CRF on CRFR2.^24,33 Ucn 2 and Ucn 3 are highly selective for CRFR2 and exhibit low affinities for CRFR1. In addition, Ucn 2 and Ucn 3 minimally induce cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production in cells expressing either endogenous or transfected CRFRl.^25-27

The neuroendocrine properties of CRF are mediated through CRFRl in the anterior pituitary. Binding of CRF to the type 1 receptor results in the stimulation of adenylate cyclase and a subsequent activation of cAMP pathway events that culminate with the release of ACTH from pituitary corticotropes.^29,39,40 The integral role of CRFRl in the regulation of ACTH release was confirmed by the phenotype of CRFRl -deficient mice. Mice deficient for CRFRl have a severely attenuated HPA response to stress and display decreased anxietylike behaviors.^41,42 The role of CRFR2 in the regulation of the HPA axis and adaptive responses to stress is less clear. Mice deficient for CRFR2 have an amplified HPA response to stress and display increased anxiety-like behaviors.^43-45 However, administration of CRFR2 agonists and antagonists into discrete brain regions reveal both anxiolytic and anxiogenic roles for CRFR2.⁴⁵

Vasopressin

Vasopressin (AVP) is a nonapeptide that is highly expressed in the PVN, supraoptic (SON), and suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus.^46,47 Magnocellular neurons of the PVN and SON project to the posterior lobe of the pituitary and release AVP directly into the systemic circulation to regulate osmotic homeostasis.^48,49

In addition to magnocellular neurons, parvocellular neurons of the PVN synthesize and release AVP into the portal circulation, where this peptide potentiates the effects of CRF on ACTH release from the anterior pituitary.^7,50,51

The synergistic effects of AVP on ACTH release are mediated through the vasopressin V_1b (also known as V₃) receptor on pituitary corticotropes.⁵² Binding of AVP to the V_1b receptor activates phospholipase C by coupling to Gq proteins. Activation of the phospholipase C stimulates protein kinase C, resulting in the potentiation of ACTH release.⁵³ Several investigators have reported that the expression of AVP in parvocellular neurons of the PVN and V_1b receptor density in pituitary corticotropes is significantly increased in response to chronic stress.^54-58

These findings support the hypothesis that AVP plays an important role in the stress response by maintaining ACTH responsiveness to novel stressors during periods of chronic stress.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a prohormone that is highly expressed in the pituitary and the hypothalamus. POMC is processed into a number of bioactive peptides including ACTH, β-endorphin, β-lipotropic hormone, and the melanocortins.^59-61 In response to CRF, ACTH is released from pituitary corticotropes into the systemic circulation where it binds to its specific receptor in the adrenal cortex. ACTH binds to the melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2-R) in parenchymal cells of the adrenocortical zona fasciculata. Activation of the MC2-R induces stimulation of cAMP pathway events that induce steroidogenesis and the secretion of glucorticoids, mineralcorticoids, and androgenic steroids.^62,63 Specifically, ACTH promotes the conversion of cholesterol into 5-5 pregnenolone during the initial step of glucocorticoid biosynthesis.^61,64

Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids, Cortisol in humans and corticosterone in rodents, are a major subclass of steroid hormones that regulate metabolic, cardiovascular, immune, and behavioral processes.^3,4 The physiological effects of glucocorticoids are mediated by a 94kD cytosolic protein, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR).The GR is widely distributed throughout the brain and peripheral tissues. In the inactive state, the GR is part of a multiprotein complex consisting of several different molecules of heat shock proteins (HSP) that undergo repeated cycles of dissociation and ATP-dependent reassociation.^11,65,66 Ligand binding induces a conformational change in the GR, resulting in the dissociation of the receptor from the HSP complex and translocation into the nucleus. Following translocation, the GR homodimer binds to specific DNA motifs termed glucocorticoid response elements (GREs) in the promoter region of glucocorticoid responsive genes and regulates expression through interaction with transcription factors.^11,67,68 The GR has also been shown to regulate activation of target genes independent of GRE-binding through direct protein-protein interactions with transcription factors including activating protein 1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-βB (NF-βB).^69-71

Endocrine regulation of the HPA axis

Activation of the HPA axis is a tightly controlled process that involves a wide array of neuronal and endocrine systems. Glucocorticoids play a prominent role in regulating the magnitude and duration of HPA axis activation.⁷² Following exposure to stress, elevated levels of circulating glucocorticoids inhibit HPA activity at the level of the hypothalamus and pituitary. The HPA axis is also subject to glucocorticoid independent regulation. The neuroendocrine effects of CRF are also modulated by CRF binding proteins that are found at high levels in the systemic circulation and in the pituitary gland.^73,74

Glucocorticoid negative feedback

The HPA axis is subject to feedback inhibition from circulating glucocorticoids.⁷² Glucocorticoids modulate the HPA axis through at least two distinct mechanisms of negative feedback. Glucocorticoids have traditionally been thought to inhibit activation of the HPA axis through a delayed feedback system that is responsive to glucocorticoid levels and involves genomic alterations. There is increasing evidence for an additional fast nongenomic feedback system that is sensitive to the rate of glucocorticoid secretion; however, the exact mechanism that mediates rapid feedback effects has not yet been characterized.^11,72,75

The delayed feedback system acts via transcriptional alterations and is regulated by GR localized in a number of stress-responsive brain regions.⁷⁶ Following binding of glucocorticoids, GRs modulate transcription of HPA components by binding to GREs or through interactions with transcription factors.^11,72 Glucocorticoids have a low nanomolar affinity for the GR and extensively occupy GRs during periods of elevated glucocorticoid secretion that occur following stress.⁷⁷ Mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) have a subnanomolar affinity for glucocorticoids, a restricted expression pattern in the brain, and bind glucocorticoids during periods of basal secretion.^76,77 The distinctive pharmacologies of these two receptors suggest that MRs regulate basal HPA tone while GRs mediate glucocorticoid negative feedback following stress.^75,78,79

GRs are widely expressed in the brain, and thus the precise anatomical locus of glucocorticoid negative feedback remains poorly defined. However, two regions of the brain appear to be key sites for glucocorticoid feedback inhibition of the HPA axis. High levels of GR are expressed in hypophysiotropic neurons of the PVN, and local administration of glucocorticoids reduce PVN neuronal activity and attenuate adrenalectomy-induced ACTH hypersecretion.^80-83 These findings suggest that the PVN is an important site for glucocorticoid feedback inhibition of the HPA axis. The hippocampus has been implicated as a second site for glucocorticoid negative feedback regulation of the HPA axis. The hippocampus contains a high concentration of both GR and MR, and infusion of glucocorticoids into this structure reduces basal and stress induced glucocorticoid release.^84-86

CRF binding proteins

Two soluble proteins have been identified that bind the members of the CRF family of peptides with high affinity. The CRF binding protein (CRF-BP) is a highly conserved 37kD glycoprotein that binds both CRF and Ucn 1 with high affinity^74,87,88 The CRF-BP was originally identified in maternal plasma where it functions to inhibit HPA axis activation stemming from the elevated circulating levels of placenta-derived CRF.^89,90 The CRF-BP is highly expressed in the pituitary, and recombinant CRF-BP attenuates CRF-induced ACTH release from dispersed anterior pituitary cells in culture.⁷⁴ These findings suggest the CRF-BP may function to sequester CRF at the level of the pituitary and reduce CRFR activity.

Our laboratory has recently identified a transcript that encodes a soluble splice variant of the CRFR2 receptor (sCRFR2α) in the mouse brain.⁷³ Soluble CRFR2α is a predicted 143 amino acid protein generated from a predicted 143 amino acid protein generated from exons 3-5 of the extracellular domain of CRFR2α gene and a unique 38 amino acid hydrophilic C-terminal tail. High levels of sCRFR2α expression are found in the olfactory bulb, cortex, and midbrain regions that have been shown to express CRFRl.³⁶ Recombinant sCRFR2α binds CRF with low nanomolar affinity and inhibits cellular responses to both CRF and Ucn 1 in signal transduction assays,⁷³ suggesting that sCRFR2α may function as a decoy receptor for the CRF family of peptides.

Neuronal regulation of the HPA axis

Hypophysiotropic neurons in the PVN are innervated by a diverse constellation of afferent projections from multiple brain regions. The majority of afferent inputs to the PVN originate from four distinct regions: brain stem neurons, cell groups of the lamina terminalis, extra-PVN hypothalamic nuclei, and forebrain limbic structures.^20,91

These cell groups integrate and relay information regarding a wide array of sensory modalities to influence CRF expression and release from hypophysiotropic neurons of the PVN (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Depiction of the major brain regions and neurotransmitter groups that supply afferent innervation to the medial parvocellular zone of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Cell groups of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and ventral medulla (C1) relay visceral information to the PVN though noradrenergic (NE), adrenergic (Epi), and glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1) containing neurons. Hypothalamic nuclei (HYPO) encode information from endocrine systems and send mainly γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic (GABA) projections to the PVN. Cell groups of the lamina terminalis relay information concerning the osmotic composition of blood to the PVN through glutamatergic (Glu) and angiotensinergic (Ang) neurons. Limbic structures including the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and the amygdala contribute to the regulation of PVN neurons through intermediary neurons of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). PIT, pituitary. Adapted from reference 20: Sawchenko PE, Imaki T, Potter E, Kovacs K, Imaki J, Vale W. The functional neuroanatomy of corticotropin-releasing factor. Gba Found Symp. 1993;172:5-21; discussion 21-29. Copyright © John Wiley and Sons 1993.

Brain stem neurons

Brain stem catecholaminergic centers play an important role in the regulation of the HPA axis. Neurons of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) relay sensory information to the PVN from cranial nerves that innervate large areas of thoracic and abdominal viscera. The NTS also receives projections from limbic structures that regulate behavioral responses to stress including the medial prefrontal cortex and the central nucleus of the amygdala.⁹² Accordingly, neuronal populations in the NTS are activated following lipopoly saccharide injection,^93,94 hypotension,⁹⁵ forced swim, and immobilization stress paradigms.⁹⁶

Stress-receptive neurons in the A2/C2 region of the NTS densely innervate the medial parvocellular subdivision of the PVN.^97,98 Findings from both in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that catecholaminergic input represents a major excitatory drive on the HPA axis and induces CRF expression and protein release through an α-1 adrenergic receptor-dependent mechanism.^99-101

Nonaminergic NTS neurons also innervate the PVN and contribute to HPA axis regulation. Glucagon-like peptide 1 containing neurons in the NTS are activated by physiological stressors and have been shown to induce ACTH release in vivo.^102,103 The neuropeptides somatostatin, substance P, and enkephalin are also expressed in NTS neurons that innervate the PVN and have been shown to have regulatory effects on the HPA axis.^104-106

The lamina terminals

A series of interconnected cell groups including the subfornical organ (SFO), median preoptic nucleus (MePO), and the vascular organ of the lamina terminalis are localized on the rostral border of the third ventricle and make up the lamina terminalis.¹⁰⁷ Cell groups of the lamina terminalis lie outside of the blood-brain barrier and relay information concerning the osmotic composition of blood to the PVN.¹⁰⁸ The medial parvocellular subdivision of the PVN receives rich innervation from the SFO and to a lesser extent from the OVLT and MePO.¹⁰⁹ Neurons in the SFO that project to the PVN are angiotensinergic, and promote CRF secretion and biosynthesis.^110,111 This afferent pathway has parallel input to the magnocellular division of the PVN, and had been hypothesized to serve as a link between HPA and neurohypophysial activation.^112,114

Hypothalamus

The medial parvocellular subdivision of the PVN receives afferent projections from y-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons of the hypothalamus.¹¹⁵ Hypophysiotropic neurons of the PVN express GABA-A receptor subunits¹¹⁶ and hypothalamic injection of the GABA-A receptor agonists inhibit glucocorticoid secretion following exposure to stressors.^117,118 These studies suggest that GABA plays a prominent role in hypothalamic stress integration.

Hypothalamus: DMH and POA

GABAergic neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH) and preoptic area (POA) project to the medial parvocellular division of the PVN, and are activated following exposure to stressors.^115,117 Lesions of hypothalamic regions encompassing the DMH and the POA amplify HPA responses to stress.^119,120 Furthermore, glutamate microstimulation of DMH neurons produces inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in hypophysiotropic neurons of the PVN,¹²¹ and stimulation of the POA attenuates the excitatory effects of medial amygdalar stimulation of glucocorticoid release.¹²² The POA is a potential site of integration between gonadal steroids and the HPA axis. Accordingly, neurons of the POA are activated by gonadal steroids and express high levels of androgen, estrogen, and progesterone receptors.^123,124

Hypothalamus: feeding centers

Hypothalamic centers involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis directly innervate PVN neurons. Neurons in the arcuate nucleus are sensitive to circulating levels of glucose, insulin, and leptin These cells also synthesize neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AGRP), αmelanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH), and cocaineand amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) which play critical roles in the regulation of feeding behaviors.^125,127 In addition to their roles in energy homeostasis, arcuate neuropeptides have significant effects on HPA axis activity.

Central injection of the orexigenic factor NPY results in HPA axis activation^128,129 and infusion of AGRP significantly increases CRF release from hypothalamic expiants.¹³⁰ The anorectic peptides αMSH and CART have been reported to increase circulating levels of ACTH and corticosterone,^130,132 induce cAMP binding protein phosphorylation in CRF neurons,¹³³ and stimulate CRF release from hypothalamic neurons.^130,134 These studies suggest that the HPA axis is activated in response to positive and negative states of energy balance.

The limbic system

Limbic structures of the f orebrain contribute to the regulation of the HPA axis. Neuronal populations in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala are the anatomical substrates for memory formation and emotional responses, and may serve as a link between the stress system and neuropsychiatrie disorders.^86,135 The hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala have significant effects on glucocorticoid release and behavioral responses to stress.^84,136,137 However, these limbic structures have a limited number of direct connections with hypophysiotropic neurons of the PVN and are thought to regulate HPA axis activity through intermediary neurons in the BNST, hypothalamus, and brain stem.^20,138,139

Limbic system: hippocampus

The hippocampus plays an important role in the terminating HPA axis responses to stress.^84,139 Stimulation of hippocampal neurons decreases neuronal activity in the parvocellular division of the PVN and inhibits glucocorticoid secretion.^140,142 Hippocampal lesions produce elevated basal levels of circulating glucocorticoids,^143,144 increase parvocellular CRF and AVP expression,¹⁴⁵ and prolong ACTH and corticosterone release in response to stress.^141,146

The regulatory effects of the hippocampus on the HPA axis are mediated through a multisynaptic pathway and appear to be stressor-specific.¹³⁹ Hippocampal outflow to the hypothalamus originates in the ventricle subiculum and CA1 regions of the hippocampus.^139,147 These regions send afferent projections to GABAergic neurons of BNST and the peri-PVN region of the hypothalamus that directly innervate the parvocellular division of the PVN.^139,147,148 Hippocampal lesions encompassing the ventral subiculum produce exaggerated HPA responses to restraint and open field exposure, but not to hypoxia or ether exposure, suggesting that hippocampal neurons respond to distinct stress modalities.^146,149,150

Limbic system: prefrontal cortex

The prefrontal cortex also regulates HPA responses to stress. Neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex are activated and release catecholamines following exposure to acute and chronic stressors.^117,151,152 Bilateral lesions of the anterior cingulate and prelimbic cortex increase ACTH and glucocorticoid responses to stress,^85,153 demonstrating that the prefrontal cortex has inhibitory effects on the HPA axis. Anatomic tracing studies reveal that the there is an intricate topographic organization of prefrontal cortex output to HPA regulatory circuits. Afférents from the infralimbic cortex project extensively to the BNST, amygdala, and the NTS.^154,155 In contrast, the prelimbic/anterior cingulate cortex projects to the POA and the DMH but fails to synapse with the BNST, NTS, or amygdalar neurons.^139,154,155

The prefrontal cortex may also play a role in glucocorticoid feedback inhibition of the HPA axis. High densities of GR are expressed in layers II, III, and VI of the prefrontal cortex.¹⁵⁶ Infusion of glucocorticoids into the medial prefrontal cortex attenuates ACTH and corticosterone responses to restraint stress, but has no significant effect on HPA responses to ether.^85,157 Similarly to the hippocampus, it appears that neurons of the prefrontal cortex are subject to modality-specific regulation of glucocorticoid feedback inhibition of the HPA axis.¹³⁹

Limbic system: amygdala

In contrast to the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, the amygdala is thought to activate the HPA axis. Stimulation of amygdalar neurons promotes glucocorticoid synthesis and release into the systemic circulation.^158,159 The medial (Me A) and central (Ce A) nuclei of the amygdala play a key role in HPA axis activity and contribute the majority of afferent projections from the amygdala to cortical, midbrain, and brain stem regions that regulate adaptive responses to stress.^160,161 The MeA and CeA respond to distinct stress modalities and are thought to have divergent roles in HPA regulation.¹³⁹

Neurons in the MeA are activated following exposure to “emotional” stressors including predator, forced swim, social interaction, and restraint stress paradigms.^117,162-165 In contrast, the CeA appears to be preferentially activated by “physiological” stressors, including hemorrhage and immune challenge.^166,167

The CeA exerts its regulatory effects on the HPA axis through intermediary neurons in the brain stem.¹³⁹ Afferent projections from the CeA densely innervate the NTS and parabrachial nucleus.^92,168 The MeA sends a limited number of direct projections to the parvocellular division of the PVN¹⁶⁹; however, this subnucleus innervates a number of nuclei that directly innervate the PVN. Neurons of the MeA project to the BNST, MePO, and ventral premammillary nucleus.¹⁶⁹

The amygdala is a target for circulating glucocorticoids and the CeA and MeA express both GR and MR. In contrast to the effects on hippocampal and cortical neurons, glucocorticoids increase expression of CRF in the CeA and potentiate autonomic responses to chronic stressors. Glucocorticoid infusion into the CeA does not acutely effect HPA activation but may play a feed-forward role to potentiate HPA responses to stress.^139,157,170

Sympathetic circuits and the stress response

Activation of brain stem noradrenergic neurons and sympathetic andrenomedullary circuits further contribute to the body's response to stressful stimuli. Similarly to the HPA axis, stress-evoked activation of these systems promotes the mobilization of resources to compensate for adverse effects of stressful stimuli.^3,171 The locus coeruleus (LC) contains the largest cluster of noradrenergic neurons in the brain and innervates large segments of the neuroaxis.¹⁷² The LC has been implicated in a wide array of physiological and behavioral functions including emotion, vigilance, memory, and adaptive responses to stress.^173-175 A wide array of stressful stimuli activate LC neurons, alter their electrophysiological activity, and induce norepinephrine release.^176-178 Stimulation of the LC elicits several stressassociated responses including ACTH release,¹⁷⁹ anxiogenic-like behaviors,¹⁸⁰ and suppression of immune functions.¹⁸¹ In addition, there are interactions between CRF and NE neurons in the CNS. Central administration of CRF alters activity of LC neurons and NE catabolism in terminal regions.^13,182 Finally, dysfunction of catecholamergic neurons in the LC has been implicated in the pathophysiology of affective and stress-related disorders.^183,184

Conclusions

Maintenance of homeostasis in the presence of real or perceived challenges requires activation of a complex range of responses involving the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems, collectively known as the stress response. Inappropriate regulation of the stress response has been linked to a wide array of pathologies including autoimmune disease, hypertension, affective disorders, and major depression. In this review we briefly discussed the major neuronal and endocrine systems that contribute to maintenance of homeostasis in the presence of stress. Clearly deciphering the role of each of these systems and their regulatory mechanisms may provide new therapeutic targets for treatment and prophylaxis of stress-related disorders including anxiety, feeding, addiction, and energy metabolism.

Selected abbreviations and acronyms

ACTH

adrenocorticotropic hormone

BNST

bed nucleus of stria terminalis

cAMP

cyclic adenosine monophosphate

CeA

central nuclei of amygdala

CNS

central nervous system

CRF

corticotropin-releasing factor

DMH

dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus

GR

glucocorticoid receptor

HPA

hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal

LC

locus coeruleus

LS

lateral septum

MeA

medial nuclei of the amygdala

NTS

nucleus of solitary tract

POA

preoptic area

PVN

paraventricular nucleus

SFO

subfornical organ

This work is supported by NIDDK Program Project Grant DK26741 and by the Clayton Medical Research Foundation, Inc. Wylie Vale is a Senior Clayton Medical Research Foundation Investigator.