Single nucleotide polymorphisms related to HPA axis reactivity.

A very important question in the neuroendocrinology of stress-related disorders is why some individuals thrive and others break down under similar adverse conditions. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the central component of the stress system, displaying extensive variability in reactivity among human subjects. Common gene variants have been associated with several changes in HPA axis reactivity.

Corticosteroid receptor-gene variants: modulators of the stress-response and implications for mental health.

The stress-response, including autonomic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity, is essential for maintaining homeostasis during a challenge. Brain mineralocorticoid receptors and glucocorticoid receptors operate in balance to coordinate the stress-response. Genetic variants in both the human mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor-genes have been functionally characterized.

Corticosteroid receptor polymorphisms: determinants of vulnerability and resilience.

Why some individuals thrive and others break down under similar adverse conditions, is a central question in the neuroendocrinology of stress related psychopathology. The brain mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR) operate in balance to coordinate behavioural, autonomic and neuroendocrine response patterns involved in homeostasis and health. Genetic variants of both the MR and GR have been functionally characterized.

A common polymorphism in the mineralocorticoid receptor modulates stress responsiveness.

Context: Mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) mediate the action of aldosterone on sodium resorption in kidney tubular cells, but in brain they respond to the glucocorticoid cortisol in stress regulation and cognitive processes.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the role of the MR gene variant I180V in the neuroendocrine response to a psychosocial stressor and in electrolyte regulation.

Design: Associations between the MRI180V and outcome variables in a healthy cohort subjected to psychosocial challenge (Trier Social Stress Test) and in a mild hypertensive cohort exposed to acute salt loading (Weinberger's test) were investigated.