Figure 1.

Schematic representation of the interaction between glucocorticoids, orexins, and the cholinergic system in regulating stress responses. Stress activates the release of glucocorticoids from the adrenal gland, which then feedback into the brain and target both the HPA axis and extra-hypothalamic sites like the hippocampus and the amygdala. Orexins also activate the HPA axis and lead to the production of glucocorticoids and stimulate the release of CRF from the PVN of the hypothalamus and the central amygdala. The third player are the nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) which indirectly regulate ACTH release by acting on the PVN.