Abstract
Major depression has long been recognized as a stress-related disease. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis is one of the main physiological systems to manage stressful life events. It consists of a fine-tuned cascade of stress hormones, with corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and glucocorticoids at its core. Dysbalanced HPA axis activity and regulation have frequently been observed in depressed patients. This chapter discusses the function and molecular regulation of the HPA axis, including its perturbance in major depression. Moreover, evidence from animal models for the contribution of the HPA axis to depression-like phenotypes is provided. Finally, the efforts to exploit this knowledge for the development of drugs targeting HPA axis dysfunction in major depression are presented.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
