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Leptin and the Hypothalamopituitary-Adrenal Axis

  • Chapter
The Acth Axis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment

Part of the book series: Endocrine Updates ((ENDO,volume 21))

Abstract

Hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-containing neurons represent the integrative center of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Activation of that axis during the stress response is partly modulated in function of the metabolic status of the individual. In contrast, glucocorticoid hormones play an important permissive role upon feeding and central metabolic regulations. Thus, a dynamic interplay seems to exist between the activity of the HPA axis and the regulation of energy homeostasis. The adipose tissue, by way of leptin secretion, is an important partner in this crosstalk: glucocorticoids and possibly ACTH have been shown to stimulate leptin biosynthesis and secretion, and in turn, leptin probably exerts a down-regulation upon adrenal gland activity. This review presents the current evidence, obtained both in animal models and in the human, demonstrating the physiological importance of this crosstalk for the adaptation of the individual to external aggressions, i.e. for the stress response.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, CH-1011, Switzerland

    François P. Pralong & Rolf C. Gaillard

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  1. François P. Pralong
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland

    Rolf C. Gaillard M.D.

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Pralong, F.P., Gaillard, R.C. (2003). Leptin and the Hypothalamopituitary-Adrenal Axis. In: Gaillard, R.C. (eds) The Acth Axis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment. Endocrine Updates, vol 21. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0501-3_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0501-3_10

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