title: Dynamics of adrenal glucocorticoid steroidogenesis in health and disease.
abstract: The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is characterized by an ultradian (pulsatile) pattern of hormone secretion. Pulsatility of glucocorticoids has been found critical for optimal transcriptional, neuroendocrine and behavioral responses. This review will focus on the mechanisms underlying the origin of the glucocorticoid ultradian rhythm. Our recent research shows that the ultradian rhythm of glucocorticoids depends on highly dynamic processes within adrenocortical steroidogenic cells. Furthermore, we have evidence that disruption of these dynamics leads to abnormal glucocorticoid secretion observed in disease and critical illness in both humans and rats.
authors: Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. Electronic address: f.spiga@bristol.ac.uk.
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Spiga
authors: Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
authors: Stafford L
authors: SL
authors: Lightman
mesh_terms: D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004194:Disease; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000378:metabolism*; D006262:Health; D006801:Humans; D013256:Steroids / Q000096:biosynthesis*
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids; D013256:Steroids
keywords: Adrenal cortex; Glucocorticoids; HPA axis; Inflammation; Steroidogenesis; Ultradian rhythm