UCSF DIABETES, ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM TRAINING PROGRAM FACULTY RESEARCH SUMMARIES

Brain-Pituitary-Adrenal Interrelationships

We study the role of the adrenocortical system on hypothalamic regulation of feeding behavior and metabolism and the role of chronic stress on brain pathways regulating adrenocortical, autonomic and behavioral responses to novel stressors. Because glucocorticoid (GC) receptors exist in every tissue type, changes in autonomic activity, energy balance and behavior that occur with either GC treatment or chronic stress may be either directly related to GC action in the tissue studied or secondary to a GC effect on another process. We use increased expression of the immediate early gene, c-fos, to determine where in brain changes occur in response to stress and/or steroid treatment, and identify the responsive cell type using in situ hybridization. Additionally, we use tracing techniques and lesions to define the relevant pathways involved. Chronic stress appears to recruit central pathways that mediate both adrenocortical, autonomic and behavioral responses to acute stress and the disposition of energy so that fat is gained and muscle lost - not good for health. Our goals are to elucidate the roles of glucocorticoids and chronic stress on regulation of function in individuals.

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