Amygdalo-Hypothalamic Pathways Mediate Stress-Induced ACTH Release
Abstract
The goals of this project are to characterize the anatomical pathways and neurotransmitters that participate in the brain neuroendocrine stress response. Studies have focused on the amygdala, a part of the limbic system. Specifically, studies are designed to 1) determine if and which ACTH releasing cells of the hypothalamus are innervated by the amygdala; 2) determine the neurotransmitter used by cells within the amygdala to activate the release of ACTH; and 3) determine the role of the amygdala in release of ACTH and related stress hormones to different psychological and physical stressors. During the first year, light microscopic studies on the amygdala hypothalamic pathways have been completed. The amygdala topographically innervates subregions of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. Amygdaloid terminals appear to contact CRF, vasopressin and oxytocin immunoreactive cells. Studies are in progress to determine if destruction of the amygdala will affect neuroendocrine responses to immobilization or cold stress. Studies on the identification of amygdaliod neurotransmitters that activate CRF neurons within the hypothalamus are also in progress. Thyrotropin releasing factor has been identified as a possible neurotransmitter or neuromodulator candidate. Second year studies will be a continuation of first year studies and electron microscopic studies of the amygdala-hypothalamic pathway. Keywords: Stress physiology; Response biology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA204725
Entities
People
- Louis D. Van De Kar
- Thackery S. Gray
Organizations
- Stritch School of Medicine