Cardiovascular Stress Responses Research Articles

Physiological and Psychological Stress Reactivity in Narcolepsy Type 1.

Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic sleep-wake disorder, characterized by a loss of hypocretin production. Unexpectedly, in post-mortem tissue of people with NT1 there is a loss of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the paraventricular nucleus. CRH is known as activator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in response to stress. This activation results in the release of the stress hormones adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. We hypothesize an altered physiological and psychological stress response in NT1. Participants were people with NT1 (n=14) and matched healthy controls (n=12). The Trier Social Stress Test for Groups (TSST-G), a validated socially evaluated stress test in controlled settings, induced acute stress. We measured ACTH and cortisol levels in blood before and at three timepoints after the TSST-G. We also measured subjective stress and heart rate levels. In both groups, acute stress led to increases in ACTH (p=0.006), cortisol (p<0.001), heart rate (p<0.001) and subjective stress (p<0.001). Subjectively, people with NT1 experienced more stress than controls (p<0.001). No differences were found in heart rate, cortisol, and ACTH between people with NT1 and controls at any timepoint. Secondary analyses showed that men with NT1 had lower cortisol levels immediately after stress induction than men in the control group (p=0.002). People with NT1 show an increased subjective stress response, but no changes in their endocrine or cardiovascular stress reactivity. Further research is required to determine the impact of reduced CRH production and gender in NT1.

Nonlinear associations between cardiovascular stress reactivity and emotional reactivity and emotion regulation among adolescents.

Cardiovascular stress reactivity (CVR) is considered as a physiological pathway linking emotional reactivity and emotion regulation with psychopathology. However, the associations between CVR and emotional reactivity and emotion regulation remain underexplored, with limited evidence showing that either excessive or blunted CVR is associated with emotional reactivity and emotional regulation. Recently, moderate CVR has been theoretically hypothesized to be related to optimal outcomes; however, whether CVR is nonlinearly associated with emotional reactivity and emotion regulation still needs to be investigated. Parents of 341 junior school students reported their children's emotional reactivity and emotion regulation on the Emotion Questionnaire, and the students were invited to participate in a mental arithmetic task with continuous cardiovascular monitoring indexed by heart rate (HR) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP). Results did not reveal any linear relationships between CVR and emotional reactivity or emotion regulation. However, quadratic associations between HR, SBP reactivity and emotional reactivity and emotion regulation were found even after controlling for sex, age and BMI. Specifically, there was a U-shaped association between HR, SBP reactivity, and emotional reactivity, while there was an inverted U-shaped association between HR, SBP reactivity, and emotion regulation. These findings suggest that moderate to high rather than exaggerated or blunted CVR reflects adaptive emotional reactivity and better emotion regulation among adolescents.

Circular RNA in Cardiovascular Diseases: Biogenesis, Function and Application.

Cardiovascular diseases pose a significant public health challenge globally, necessitating the development of effective treatments to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs), a novel class of non-coding RNAs, have been recognized for their role in cardiovascular disease. Aberrant expression of circRNAs is closely linked with changes in various cellular and pathophysiological processes within the cardiovascular system, including metabolism, proliferation, stress response, and cell death. Functionally, circRNAs serve multiple roles, such as acting as a microRNA sponge, providing scaffolds for proteins, and participating in protein translation. Owing to their unique properties, circRNAs may represent a promising biomarker for predicting disease progression and a potential target for cardiovascular drug development. This review comprehensively examines the properties, biogenesis, and potential mechanisms of circRNAs, enhancing understanding of their role in the pathophysiological processes impacting cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the prospective clinical applications of circRNAs in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease are addressed.

Topical larynx lidocaine Spraying reduces cardiovascular stress response caused by suspension laryngoscopic surgery

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the potential reduction of cardiovascular stress response caused by suspension laryngoscopic surgery through the application of lidocaine spray on the larynx and trachea. MethodsA total of 68 patients scheduled for elective suspension laryngoscopic surgery were randomly assigned to either the lidocaine group (Group L, n = 34) or the control group (Group C, n = 33). In Group L, patients received a sprayed lidocaine dose of 2 mg/kg on the larynx and trachea after anesthesia induction, prior to intubation. In Group C, equal volumes of saline solution were administered. MAP and HR were recorded at various time points: before anesthesia (T0), 1-minute after intubation (T1), 1 and 3 min after suspension laryngoscopy (T2 and T3), at the end of the operation (T4), and at 1, 5, and 30 min after extubation (T5, T6, and T7). Arterial blood glucose, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels were measured at T0, T2, T5, and T7. The occurrence of severe cough and sore throat at T6 and T7 after extubation was compared between the two groups. ResultsAt T0 and T1, there were no statistically significant differences in mean arterial pressures, heart rate, and blood catecholamine levels between the two groups. However, from T2 to T7, the blood pressure and heart rate in Group L were lower compared to Group C, with significant differences observed at T2‒T6 (p < 0.05). Group L also showed less elevation in blood glucose at T2, T5, and T7 (p < 0.05). The changes in epinephrine and norepinephrine levels between the two groups were statistically significant at T2 and T5 (p < 0.05). ConclusionsAdministering lidocaine spray on the larynx and trachea during intubation for suspension laryngoscopic surgery can effectively alleviate the stress response. Level 1 evidencePatients in this study are randomly assigned to the treatment or control group and are followed prospectively.

Self-blame, posttraumatic stress, and cardiovascular reactivity among sexual trauma survivors.

Although trauma is closely linked with hyperarousal and cardiovascular health, little research has examined the effects of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) on cardiovascular reactivity to trauma reminders among sexual trauma survivors. One type of negative appraisal after trauma, self-blame, is common after sexual trauma, but its relation to cardiovascular reactivity is unknown. The present study aimed to examine the influence of both PTSS and self-blame on blood pressure and heart rate (HR) reactivity to a trauma reminder. Cardiovascular reactivity was measured before, during, and after a laboratory-based sexual trauma reminder among 72 young adult women who have experienced sexual trauma. Higher PTSS predicted lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reactivity during the trauma reminder. Higher levels of self-blame predicted higher HR and systolic blood pressure (SBP) reactivity during and after the trauma reminder. Overall, these findings suggest that survivors of sexual trauma with higher levels of PTSS experience a blunting reaction of DBP when exposed to trauma reminders, as opposed to a more typical cardiovascular stress reaction that may elevate and then extinguish to baseline levels. Meanwhile, individuals with higher levels of self-blame have heightened cardiovascular SBP and HR responses during trauma reminders that do not return to baseline levels, perhaps due to self-blame leading individuals to be more 'on guard' to prevent future threats. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the potential long-term cardiovascular impacts of heightened self-blame and PTSS and their associated cardiovascular reactivity patterns.

Social participation is associated with a habituated blood pressure response to recurrent stress

Lower cardiovascular reactivity is a proposed marker of motivational dysregulation and is related to a range of adverse behavioural and health outcomes. Social participation is a form of motivated behaviour and represents the frequency in which an individual engages in social activities. Low social participation has recently been linked to lower cardiovascular responses to acute psychological stress. With recent work emphasizing the importance of assessing adaptation of the cardiovascular response to recurrent stress, the aim of the current study is to build on previous work by examining the relationship between social participation and cardiovascular stress response adaptation. This study utilised data from the Pittsburgh Cold Study 3 (PCS 3). Two hundred and thirteen participants (M = 30.13; SD = 10.85) completed a social participation measure and had their systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) monitored across two separate standardized stress testing sessions. The testing sessions consisted of a 20-minute baseline and a 15-minute stress task. Results indicated that higher levels of social participation were associated with greater blood pressure habituation to recurrent stress, extending previous work identifying that social participation was associated with higher cardiovascular responses to stress. The present study identifies that those reporting greater levels of social participation may show enhanced stress tolerance when exposed to recurrent stress.

Heartbeats and high scores: esports triggers cardiovascular and autonomic stress response.

Gaming is often labeled as sedentary behavior. However, competitive gaming, also known as esports, involves significant cognitive demands and may induce stress. This study aims to investigate whether the psychophysical demands during esports elicit a physiological stress response. Fourteen FIFA 21 and thirteen League of Legends players (23.3 ± 2.8 years) were recruited for the study. Heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD), peripheral and central blood pressure (BP), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and energy expenditure (EE) were assessed during supine rest, seated rest, and competitive FIFA or League of Legends matches. No significant group × condition interactions were observed for any of the outcomes. However, there were significant increases in mean HR (p < 0.001, = 0.383), RMSSD (p = 0.019, = 0.226), peripheral systolic BP (p < 0.001, = 0.588), peripheral diastolic BP (p = 0.005, = 0.272), central systolic BP (p = 0.005; = 0.369), central diastolic BP (p = 0.016, = 0.313), PWV (p = 0.004, = 0.333), and EE (p < 0.001, = 0.721) during both games compared to the seated rest condition. Despite the sedentary nature of esports, the psychophysical demands appear to elicit physiological responses. Interestingly, no significant differences were found between the different game genres.

Influence of Brainstem's Area A5 on Sympathetic Outflow and Cardiorespiratory Dynamics.

Area A5 is a noradrenergic cell group in the brain stem characterised by its important role in triggering sympathetic activity, exerting a profound influence on the sympathetic outflow, which is instrumental in the modulation of cardiovascular functions, stress responses and various other physiological processes that are crucial for adaptation and survival mechanisms. Understanding the role of area A5, therefore, not only provides insights into the basic functioning of the sympathetic nervous system but also sheds light on the neuronal basis of a number of autonomic responses. In this review, we look deeper into the specifics of area A5, exploring its anatomical connections, its neurochemical properties and the mechanisms by which it influences sympathetic nervous system activity and cardiorespiratory regulation and, thus, contributes to the overall dynamics of the autonomic function in regulating body homeostasis.

Quadratic associations between cardiovascular stress reactivity and development of cool and hot executive functions in adolescents.

Stress affects executive functions and exploring the association between stress-induced physiological reactivity and executive functions could highlight the potential mechanism of the stress-cognitive function link. Our study examined the linear and nonlinear associations between cardiovascular stress reactivity and cool and hot executive functions among adolescents. In November 2021 (T1), 273 Chinese adolescents between 11 and 14 (Mage = 12.93, SDage = 0.79) underwent a speech task during which their cardiovascular data were recorded, and they completed a Flanker task and an Emotional Stroop task. In May 2023 (T2), 253 adolescents again completed the Flanker and Emotional Stroop tasks. Cool and hot executive functions were assessed using the intra-individual reaction time variability of the Flanker task and Emotional Stroop task, respectively. Results showed that cardiovascular stress reactivity was positively linearly associated with cool executive functions at T1 and quadratically (inverted U-shaped) associated with cool executive functions at T1 and hot executive functions at T1 and T2. These findings suggest that compared to very high and very low cardiovascular reactivity, moderate to high cardiovascular reactivity to a structured social challenge is associated with better cool and hot executive functions.

Cardiovascular reactivity to acute psychological stress is associated with generalized self-efficacy and self-efficacy outcomes during adventure challenges.

Outdoor adventure challenges are commonly used to enhance self-efficacy, but the physiological mechanisms involved remain unexplored. Additionally, while studies have documented the influence of self-efficacy on stress management, general self-efficacy has yet to be fully understood in the context of cardiovascular stress reactivity (CVR). This study investigated the influence of self-efficacy beliefs on CVR during acute psychological stress tasks. Additionally, it explored whether CVR serves as a novel mechanism underlying the outcomes of outdoor adventure challenges. As part of a wider randomized controlled trial, participants (n = 55) were invited to complete a laboratory session to assess CVR to an active (paced auditory serial addition test (PASAT)) and a passive (cold pressor test (CPT)) stress task. Randomized participants (n = 33) to the experimental condition also engaged in a high ropes challenge course after the laboratory session. It was found that greater self-reported self-efficacy was associated with larger CVR during the CPT and positively associated with perceived engagement and performance during the PASAT. Secondly, participants reporting positive change in self-efficacy post-intervention were associated with greater CVR and greater CVR was associated with higher ratings of intervention engagement and perceived challenge. This study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that greater efficacy beliefs may heighten CVR to passive acute psychological stressors. Habitual stress reactivity may represent a novel mechanism involved in outdoor and adventure-based interventions. Future research should continue to explore the impact of psychological variables on stress physiology and examine CVR as a potential mechanism in adventure experiences.

Cortisol Reactivity to Acute Psychosocial Stress in Physician Burnout.

Physician burnout, characterized by chronic job-related stress leading to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. This cross-sectional study investigates cortisol reactivity in male physicians with burnout compared to healthy controls during an acute psychosocial stress test. Sixty male physicians (30 burnout, 30 healthy controls) participated between September 2019 and December 2021 to investigate the impact of burnout on cardiovascular health. Salivary cortisol levels were measured before and after a Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Burnout was assessed with the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Covariates included age, BMI, and physical activity. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis and area under the curve analysis. Male physicians with burnout exhibited significantly greater cortisol reactivity during the TSST, notably post-stress to 15 min post-stress. Emotional exhaustion correlated with reduced cortisol increase from pre-stress and smaller post-stress to 15- and 45-min declines. Findings suggest heightened cortisol reactivity in male physicians with burnout, possibly reflecting initial chronic stress stages. This study highlights the necessity for long-term research on cortisol's influence on cardiovascular health and stress responses across diverse groups. The findings contribute to comprehending physiological responses in burnout-afflicted physicians, emphasizing cortisol reactivity's pivotal role in stress-related research and its potential health implications, particularly within the burnout context.

Acute self-myofascial release modulates cardiac autonomic function and hemodynamic parameters at rest and reduces cardiovascular stress reaction

PurposeSelf-myofascial release (SMR) is a form of self-massage aiming to release tension, improve blood flow, and alleviate muscle soreness. This study aimed to determine whether a single session of SMR could impact cardiovascular parameters at rest and during a cold pressor test (CPT).MethodsTwenty male participants (aged 26 ± 2 years) underwent a 20-min SMR and a 20-min seated control condition (CON) on two separate test days in a randomized order. Peripheral and central blood pressure (BP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), pulse wave velocity (PWV), heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD), and the quotient of low-frequency power and high-frequency power (LF/HF) were measured both at rest and during a CPT before (t0), 2 min (t1), and 20 min (t2) after the SMR and CON.ResultsTime × condition interactions could be detected for peripheral and central diastolic BP, TPR, HR, and RMSSD. Following the SMR, peripheral diastolic BP, central diastolic BP, TPR, and RMSSD were reduced, while HR was increased compared to the CON. Regarding the CPT time × condition interactions could be detected for peripheral, and central diastolic BP, with lower values after SMR.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that a single bout of SMR confers favorable cardiovascular benefits in healthy normotensive individuals. Furthermore, SMR can attenuate the hemodynamic reactivity to a stress test. Future research should address whether regular SMR leads to chronic adaptations similar to regular, moderate aerobic exercise, massage therapy, and static stretching.

Comparison of esketamine versus dexmedetomidine for attenuation of cardiovascular stress response to double-lumen tracheal tube intubation: a randomized controlled trial.

The insertion of a double-lumen tracheal tube may cause a transient but more intense sympathetic response. We examined the effects of esketamine vs. dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to anesthesia induction to blunt double lumen tracheal (DLT) intubation induced cardiovascular stress response. In a randomized, double-blind trial, 78 adult patients scheduled for elective thoracotomy under general anesthesia requiring DLT intubation were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: each group received one of the following drugs prior to induction of anesthesia: dexmedetomidine 0.8 µg/kg (Group A), esketamine 0.5 mg/kg (Group B), or normal saline (group C). The primary outcome was the incidence of a DLT intubation-related cardiovascular stress response, defined as an increase in mean arterial pressure or heart rate of >30% above the baseline values. The secondary outcomes were changes in hemodynamic and cardiac function. The incidence of the response to cardiovascular stress was 23.1%, 30.8%, and 65.4% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. There was a significant decrease in intubation response in groups A and B in comparison with group C (P < 0.01); however, there was no significant difference between group A and group B (P > 0.05). Following the drug infusion and the induction of anesthesia, there was a significant decrease in HR and cardiac output in group A compared with group B. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the left ventricular ejection fraction or in stroke volume between the three groups during induction of anesthesia. Esketamine 0.5 mg/kg and dexmedetomidine 0.8 µg/kg attenuate cardiovascular stress responses related to DLT intubation. As adjuvants to etomidate induction, they do not impair cardiac function (ChiCTR1900028030).

Influence of maternal immune activation on autism-like symptoms and coping strategies in male offspring

Maternal immune activation (MIA) caused by exposure to pathogens or inflammation during critical periods of gestation increased susceptibility to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, in the offspring. In the present work, we aimed to provide characterization of the long-term consequences on anxiety-like behavior and cardiovascular stress response of MIA in the offspring. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MIA by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in adult male offspring. In our study, the animals were subjected to a range of behavioral and physiological tests, including the elevated plus maze, social interaction, cat odor response, open field behavior, contextual fear conditioning, and cardiovascular responses during restraint stress. In the offspring of MIA, our study unveiled distinct anxious behaviors. This was evident by fewer entries into the open arms of the maze, diminished anti-thigmotaxis in the open field, and a decrease in social interaction time. Moreover, these rats showed heightened sensitivity to cat odor, exhibited prolonged freezing during fear conditioning, and presented elevated 22 Hz ultrasonic vocalizations. Notably, during restraint stress, these animals manifested an augmented blood pressure response, and this was associated with an increase in c-fos expression in the locus coeruleus compared to the control group. These findings collectively underline the extensive behavioral and physiological alterations stemming from MIA. This study deepens our understanding of the significance of maternal health in predisposing offspring to neurobehavioral deficits and psychiatric disorders.

A randomized double blind study to evaluate the effect of nebulized dexmedetomidine on the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy – Intubation and intubation conditions

: A cardiovascular stress response is frequently brought on by direct laryngoscopy and intubation. It is widely known that the sympathetic adrenal stimulation elicited by mechanical stimulation to the upper respiratory tract is what causes the haemodynamic response during laryngoscopy and intubation. The study's goal was to assess the impact of preoperative dexmedetomidine nebulization on the patient's hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy- intubation and the intubation conditions.: The American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I &amp; II adult patients, of either gender, undergoing elective surgeries requiring tracheal intubation were randomized to receive nebulized dexmedetomidine (Group D) or 0.9% saline (Group P), 30 minutes prior to the induction of anesthesia. This study was conducted in the department of anesthesia and critical care at the Christian Medical College in Ludhiana. Following laryngoscopy, the patient's heart rate and non-invasive systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be monitored for 10 minutes. The intubation conditions were noted during laryngoscopy.Total 100 patients with 50 in each group were included. At the time of laryngoscopy and after the intubation 1 min, 3 min,5 min, 7min and 10 min there were significantly lower trend in increasing HR, SBP, DBP and RPP in dexmedetomidine group versus saline. The intubation score representing conditions for intubation was significantly better in the dexmedetomidine group (P=0.013) than the saline group. There was no significant side effect noted (p=1.000). There was significant reduction in intraoperative analgesic and sedative requirement observed in dexmedetomidine groupOur study concluded that the nebulized dexmedetomidine attenuated haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy- intubation and provided better intubation conditions without significant side effects. We advise using nebulized dexmedetomidine pre-operatively for a surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia in order to reduce the haemodynamic response to intubation and to facilitate intubation conditions without experiencing any severe adverse effects.

Abstract 12747: Adaptive Coping, Resilience, and Cardiovascular Stress Reactivity in Women With Takotsubo Syndrome

Introduction: Takotsubo Syndrome (TS) is often triggered by acute stressful events. While excessive stress reactivity is associated with worse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, its role and that of possible stress response moderators in TS are poorly understood. Goals/Aims: To explore whether adaptive coping and resilience affect CV reactivity in TS patients. Hypothesis: Negative psychological functioning will be associated with greater CV reactivity. Methods: Prospectively enrolled women with TS (per Mayo criteria) completed coping (Brief-COPE) and resilience (Brief Resilience Scale) measures at enrollment (scores categorized as “high” or “low” using a median split) and a standardized stress reactivity protocol 2 weeks later. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) (mmHg) were measured every 5 min during Baseline (10 min), Mental Stress (10 min), and Recovery (20 min) using an automated BP cuff. SBP and DBP change from baseline to peak stress and 5 min into recovery were compared between low vs. high coping and resilience groups, respectively, using t-test statistics; p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Patients (n=29; mean age 64.1 ± 8.8 years) with low (vs high) adaptive coping showed a smaller stress response (SBP: 15.9 ± 22.2 vs. 28.3 ± 19.2, p= 0.13; DBP: 8.1 ± 17.8 vs 21.8 ± 23.4, p= 0.11) and slower recovery (SBP -12.0 ± 7.0 vs -23.5 ± 19.3, p = 0.12; DBP -3.4 ± 17.6 vs -18.5 ± 22.1, p=0.07). Similar, non-significant responses were noted for the low (vs high) resilience group at peak stress (SBP: 18.8 ± 22.9 vs 27.9 ± 18.7, p= 0.28; DBP: 13.0 ± 20.9 vs. 16.9 ± 23.6, p=0.67) and recovery (SBP: -13.4 ± 17.4 vs -24.7 ± 19.3, p= 0.15; DBP: -5.3 ± 18.4 vs -18.3 ± 23.8, p= 0.16, Figure 1). Conclusion: Consistent with recent evidence in other populations, negative psychological functioning was associated with blunted CV reactivity in women with TS. Further investigation in fully powered studies is needed to confirm these novel, exploratory findings and their prognostic value.

Emotion regulation tendencies and cardiovascular responses to repeated acute psychological stress

Poor emotion regulation has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) through maladaptive cardiovascular responses to psychological stress. However, there has been scant research examining the relationship between emotion regulation and habituation of cardiovascular responses to recurrent stress, which may be more directly applicable to the experience of stress in everyday life. The aims of the current study were to examine the associations between emotion regulation tendencies and cardiovascular stress reactivity, as well as habituation of cardiovascular reactivity across repeated stressors. A sample of 453 participants (mean (SD) age = 19.5 (1.3) years; 62 % women) completed a repeated stress paradigm, which consisted of two 10-minute baselines and two identical 4-minute stress tasks, separated by a 10-minute recovery period. Heart rate (HR) was measured continuously; systolic/diastolic blood pressures (SBP/DBP) were measured every 2 min. At the end of the visit, participants completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Results indicate that impulse control difficulties when distressed (a DERS subscale) were significantly associated with blunted SBP, DBP, and HR reactivity to both stressors, as well as impaired HR habituation across the stressors. None of the ERQ subscales (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression) were found to be associated with cardiovascular stress reactivity or habituation. The outcomes of this study demonstrate a potential underlying physiological pathway through which impulse control difficulties when distressed may contribute to CVD risk. This study also reveals the importance of extending traditional cardiovascular stress reactivity protocols to include multiple exposures of the same stress task.

Early adversity and cardiovascular stress response: Stress reactivity or sensitivity to context.

The stress reactivity hypothesis (SRH) posits that stressful early environments contribute to exaggerated stress responses, which increase risk for later cardiovascular (CV) disease. However, recent studies have revealed conflicting associations. The current study examined whether the biological sensitivity to context theory (BSCT) or SRH is a more accurate description of associations between early stress and CV reactivity and recovery, and determine which framework best explains sleep outcomes. This is the first article to conceptually link these theories and empirically examine competing hypotheses. Participants were 213 adults who participated in the Pittsburgh Cold Study 3. Early environment stress was assessed by four self-report measures consistent with operationalizations of the BSCT. Average heart rate and mean arterial pressure reactivity to the trier social stress test were assessed on two occasions, and sleep parameters were assessed using wrist-worn actigraphy over 7 days. Results generally did not support the SRH; little evidence that high-stress early environments were reliably associated with exaggerated CV reactivity or slower CV recovery, and little evidence that these CV stress responses were consistently associated with poor sleep. However, there was some support for the BSCT; both high-stress and low-stress early environments were associated with exaggerated CV reactivity, the combination of high-stress and high CV reactivity was associated with poor sleep, and the combination of low-stress and high CV reactivity was associated with better sleep. Associations proposed by the BSCT persist into adulthood and may help explain associations with poor health outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Comparison between the Effects of Acute Physical and Psychosocial Stress on Feedback-Based Learning.

Stress modulates feedback-based learning, a process that has been implicated in declining mental function in aging and mental disorders. While acute physical and psychosocial stressors have been used interchangeably in studies on feedback-based learning, the two types of stressors involve distinct physiological and psychological processes. Whether the two types of stressors differentially influence feedback processing remains unclear. The present study compared the effects of physical and psychosocial stressors on feedback-based learning. Ninety-six subjects (Mage = 19.11 years; 50 female) completed either a cold pressor task (CPT) or mental arithmetic task (MAT), as the physical or psychosocial stressor, while electrocardiography and blood pressure were measured to assess cardiovascular stress reactivity (CVR). Self-ratings on the emotional valence of the stressors were also obtained. A probabilistic learning task was given prior to and after the stressors. Accuracy in selecting positive (Go accuracy) and avoiding negative stimuli (No-go accuracy) were recorded as learning outcomes. Repeated measures ANOVA and multiple regressions were used to compare the effects of two stressors and examine the effects of CVR and valence on the learning outcomes. The results showed that although the effects of CPT and MAT on feedback processing were not different, CVR and valence influenced Go and No-go accuracy, respectively. The results suggest that stress-modulated feedback-based learning involves multiple pathways and underscore the link between CVR and reward sensitivity. The findings have clinical implications and may contribute to a better understanding of human behavioral systems.

Optimal timing of oral metyrapone intake for the suppression of cold-pressor stress-induced cortisol release

BackgroundPharmacological manipulation of cortisol levels is instrumental in elucidating mechanisms underlying acute stress effects and for distinguishing the physiological and behavioral effects of cortisol from those of the adrenergic system. Administration (oral or IV) of hydrocortisone is a direct and efficient method to elevate cortisol, and thus, frequently used in psychobiological stress research. However, lowering of cortisol (i.e. blockade of stress cortisol) requires a more sophisticated approach, such as the administration of the corticostatic compound metyrapone (MET). However, there is insufficient knowledge about the temporal dynamics of MET for the blocking of stress-induced cortisol reactivity. Thus, the present study aimed to build up an experimental protocol suitable to suppress acute behavioral stress-induced cortisol secretion by MET. Methods50 healthy young men were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups. They received 750 mg oral MET either 30 (n = 9), 45 (n = 11), or 60 (n = 10) minutes before exposure to a combined cold pressor and mental arithmetic test (stress induction), or were subjected to two different control treatments (placebo 60 min before stress (n = 10) or MET 30 min before non-stressful warm-water condition (n = 10)). Salivary cortisol concentration, hemodynamics, and subjective ratings were assessed. ResultsSuppression of cold stress-induced cortisol release was strongest when MET intake was scheduled 30 min prior to stress onset. Cardiovascular stress-responses and subjective ratings remained unaffected by MET. ConclusionIn healthy young males, 750 mg of MET efficiently block cold stress-induced cortisol release when oral administration is scheduled 30 min prior to stress onset. This finding may guide future research in improving timing of suppression of stress-induced cortisol secretion.