title: A delay-differential equation model of the feedback-controlled hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in humans.
abstract: The present work develops and analyses a model system of delay-differential equations which describes the core dynamics of the stress-responsive hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. This neuroendocrine ensemble exhibits prominent pulsatile secretory patterns governed by nonlinear and time-delayed feedforward and feedback signal interchanges. Formulation and subsequent bifurcation analysis of the model provide a qualitative and mathematical frame work for a better understanding of the delayed responsive mechanisms as well as the dynamic variations in different pathological situations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Rama 6 Rd., Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
authors.forename: Yongwimon
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lenbury
authors.forename: Pornsarp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pornsawad
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000502:physiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000502:physiology; D005246:Feedback / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone