Word: cortisol
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...brain's activity, the trick is to fine-tune their levels in ways that relieve depression but don't affect other brain functions. Other targets of drug development: the sex hormone testosterone (a transdermal patch proved effective in a recent clinical trial for men); the stress hormone cortisol, which researchers are trying to regulate with the abortion drug RU 486 and compounds called CRF antagonists; the dynorphins (the evil twins of feel-good endorphins); and a chemical called substance P, involved in pain pathways closely related to depression...
...turn out to be exceedingly complicated. Not only do the other hormones of the digestive system play a role, but also researchers are learning that they must account for the influence of such mood-altering neurotransmitters as dopamine and serotonin, as well as the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. And then there are melanocortins, brain chemicals whose power to affect weight loss and gain is just now coming into focus...
STRESS-HORMONE BOOST Responding to signals from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, the adrenal glands pump out high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Too much cortisol shortcircuits the cells in the hippocampus, making it difficult to organize the memory of a trauma or stressful experience. Memories lose their context and become fragmented...
...enzyme is 11ß hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ß HSD-1), which works to recycle a steroid stress hormone called cortisol. Though necessary for the body to maintain strength, cortisol may cause weight gain, high blood pressure and diabetes when produced by the body in excessive amounts...
STRESSED OUT Anxiety during pregnancy can double the risk of having a hyperactive child, possibly owing to exposure to the stress hormone cortisol, say researchers at London's Imperial College. Children's behavior is usually attributed to genes or parenting, the researchers say, but this study suggests there is a chemical component as well...