Effect of chronic variable stress on the stress axis in mice under different circadian clock
Abstract
This project will explore the neurobiological consequences of the circadian rhythm that may result in long-term alterations in neuroendocrine responses under conditions of a stressful work environment. The proper regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is important for optimum physiological function and survivability of an individual. Not only does the HPA axis control hormonal responses to stress, but its activity also synchronizes physiological systems with environmental cues and rhythms. When the HPA axis does not function properly, the development of numerous physiological and psychological disorders is facilitated. These include metabolic disruption, cardiovascular disease, immunological variations, sleep/wake inefficiencies (including reduced performance in operational environments), neuropsychiatric disease, neurodegenerative diseases and putative increased cancer risks. These are all areas of significant concern within the Navy and the broader Department of Defense community particularly during training and deployment. During our previous funding period, we determined that basal HPA axis function is altered under different circadian cycles. To date, what is unknown is how environmental stressors may affect the HPA axis. Our active duty military serve under periods of significant stress and in conditions of changing circadian cycles. What is not known is how an individual~s stress system responds to these stressful work conditions in separate circadian cycles. To fill this gap, these studies are designed to explore how the stress system responds to different light cycles and environmental stressors. Aim 1 will determine the effect of circadian cycles on the expression of genes relevant to the HPA axis under conditions of environmental stressors and circadian shift. Aim 2 will determine whether work stressors may alter the circadian disruption influence on the connectivity of the activation of neurons that regulate the stress axis. Finally, Aim 3 will determine how regions of the brain that have specific regulation of the stress axis may function under the conditions of environmental stress and circadian cycles. Collectively, these studies will address the interactions between stressful work environment and circadian work environment on the endogenous stress system. APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912358
Entities
People
- Tao-yiao Wu
Organizations
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy