Page last updated: 2024-10-24

regulation of corticosterone secretion

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of corticosterone secretion. [GOC:sl]

The regulation of corticosterone secretion is a complex process involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This axis is a neuroendocrine system that responds to stress and regulates various physiological functions, including energy metabolism, immune response, and cardiovascular function. The HPA axis is composed of three main components: the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands.

The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in response to stress signals, including physical, psychological, and environmental stressors. CRH travels through the portal system to the anterior pituitary gland, where it stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then circulates in the bloodstream and reaches the adrenal glands, specifically the adrenal cortex.

Within the adrenal cortex, ACTH binds to receptors on the cells of the zona fasciculata, stimulating the synthesis and release of corticosterone, the primary glucocorticoid in rodents and other non-primate mammals.

Corticosterone exerts its effects on various target tissues, including the brain, liver, immune cells, and muscles, through its binding to glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). These receptors are located in the cytoplasm and translocate to the nucleus upon corticosterone binding, where they modulate gene expression.

The regulation of corticosterone secretion is tightly controlled through a negative feedback loop. Once corticosterone levels rise, they act on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to suppress the release of CRH and ACTH, respectively. This negative feedback mechanism ensures that corticosterone levels are maintained within a physiological range.

The HPA axis is a highly dynamic system that adapts to various stressors and physiological demands. Dysregulation of the HPA axis can lead to various pathologies, including anxiety, depression, and metabolic disorders. Understanding the complex interplay of the HPA axis components is crucial for developing therapies for these disorders.'
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Proteins (1)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1A corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P34998]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (15)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
hypericin
nbi 27914dialkylarylamine;
tertiary amino compound
antalarminantalarmin : A pyrrolopyrimidine that is 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-amine which is substituted by methyl groups at positions 2, 5, and 6, by a mesityl group at position 7, and in which the amino substituent at position 4 has been substituted by ethyl and butyl groups. It is an antagonist of corticotropin-releasing factor 1 (CRF-1) receptors (Ki = 1 nM).pyrrolopyrimidine;
tertiary amino compound
corticotropin-releasing factor receptor antagonist
ssr 125543aSSR125543: a CRF1 receptor antagonist with antidepressant-like effectsamine
cp 154526
ucb 35625UCB 35625: J-113863 is the (trans)-isomer; structure in first source
r 121919
pexacerfontpyrazolopyridine
4-(3-pentylamino)-2,7-dimethyl-8-(2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrazolo(1,5-a)pyrimidine4-(3-pentylamino)-2,7-dimethyl-8-(2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl)pyrazolo(1,5-a)pyrimidine: an hCRF(1) antagonist; structure in first source
nbi-34041NBI-34041: high-affinity CRF1 (corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1) receptor antagonist for attenuating elevated stress response
dmp 696DMP 696: a CRF(1) receptor antagonist; structure in first source
cp 154526CP 154526: structure in first source
gsk 561679NBI 77860: a CRF1 receptor antagonist; structure in first source
bms 665053BMS 665053: structure in first source
nitd 609NITD 609: an antimalarial and coccidiostat; structure in first source