Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Circadian Pituitary Adrenal Rhythms

  • Chapter
Biological Rhythms and Endocrine Function

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 54))

Abstract

A circadian periodicity of plasma corticosteroid levels has been well established in many species, including the human (Migeon, Tyler, Mahoney, Florentin, Castle, Bliss and Samuels, 1956; Hal berg, 1969; Dusseau and Meier, 1971; Singley and Chavin, 1971). The present report will attempt to define the characteristics of such periodicity and describe experimental approaches, both in animals and humans, which have been designed to delineate the factors underlying this periodicity.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ader, R. (1969). Early experiences accelerate maturation of the adrenocortical rhythm. Science 163, 1225–1226.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Allen, C. and Kendall, J. W. (1967). Maturation of the circadian rhythm of plasma corticosterone in the rat. Endocrinology 80, 926–930.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Asano, Y. (1971). The maturation of the circadian rhythm of brain norepinephrine and serotonin in the rat. Life Sci. 10, 883–894.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aschoff, J., Fatranska, M., Giedke, H., Doerr, P., Stamm, D., and Wisser, H. (1971). Human circadian rhythms in continuous darkness: entrainment by social cues. Science 17, 213–215.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barraclough, C. A. (1961). Production of anovulatory, sterile rats by single injections of testosterone propionate. Endocrinology 68, 62–67.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Besser, G. M., Cullen, D. R., Irvine, W. J., Ratcliff, J. G., and Landon, J. (1971). Immunoreactive corticotropinin levels in adrenocortical insufficiency. Brit. Med. J. 1, 374–376.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Besser, G. M., Orth, D. N., Nicholson, W. E., Byyny, R. L., Abe, K., and Woodham, J. P. (1971). Dissociation of the disappearance of bioactive and radioimmunoreactive ACTH from plasma in man. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 32, 595–608.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bodenheimer, S., Winter, J. S. D. and Faiman, C. (1973). Diurnal rhythms of serum gonadotropins, testosterone, estradiol and Cortisol in blind men. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 37, 472–475.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bridges, P. K. and Jones, M. T. (1966). The diurnal rhythm of plasma Cortisol concentration in depression. Brit. J. Psychiat. 112, 1257–1261.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter, W. T., Jr. and Bunney, W. E. Jr. (1971a). Adrenal cortical activity in depressive illness. Amer. J. Psychiat. 128, 31–40.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carpenter, W. T., Jr. and Bunney, W. E. Jr. (1971b). Diurnal rhythm of Cortisol in mania. Arch. Gen. Psychiat. 25, 270–273.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheifetz, P., Gaffud, N., and Dingman, J. F. (1968). Effects of bilateral adrenalectomy and continuous light on the circadian rhythm of corticotropin in female rats. Endocrinology 82, 1117–1124.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DeLacerda, L., Kowarski, A., and Migeon, C. J. (1973). Diurnal variation of the metabolic clearance rate of Cortisol. Effect on measurement of Cortisol production rate. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 36, 1043–1049.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • DeMoor, P., Heirwegh, K., Hermans, J. K., and Declerck-Raskin, M. (1962). Protein binding of corticoids studied by gel filtration. J. Clin. Invest. 41, 816.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Doe, R. P., Vennes, J. A., and Flink, E. B. (1960). Diurnal variation of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, sodium, potassium, magnesium and creatinine in normal subjects and in cases of adrenal insufficiency and Cushing’s syndrome. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 20, 253–265.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dusseau, W. and Meier, A. H. (1971). Diurnal and seasonal variations of plasma adrenal steroid hormone in the white-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 16, 399–408.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Franks, R. (1967). Diurnal variation of plasma 17–0HCS in children. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 27, 75–78.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fullerton, D. T., Wenzel, F. J., Lohrenz, F. N. and Fahs, H. (1968). Circadian rhythm of adrenal cortical activity in depression. Arch. Gen. Psychiat. 19, 674–682.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Graber, A. L., Givens, J., Nicholson, W., Island, D. P., and Liddle, D. W. (1965). Persistence of diurnal rhythmicity in plasma ACTH concentrations in Cortisol deficient patients. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 25, 804–807.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Greer, M. A., Panton, P., and Allen, C. F. (1972). Relationship of nych-thermeral cycles of running activity and plasma corticosterone concentration following basal hypothalamic isolation. Horm. Behav. 3, 289–295.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guillemin, R., Dear, W. E., and Liebilt, R. A. (1959). Nychthemeral variations in plasma free corticosteroid levels of the rat. Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 101, 394–395.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Halász, B., Slusher, M. A., and Gorski, R. A. (1967). Adrenocurticotrophic hormone secretion in rats after partial or total deaffer-entiation of the medical basal hypothalamus. Neuroendocrinology 2, 43–55.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Halberg, F. (1969). Chronobiology. Annu. Rev. Physiol. 31, 675–725.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hanin, I., Massarelli, R., and Costa, E. (1970). Acetylcholine concentrations in rat brain: diurnal oscillation. Science 170, 341–342.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Haus, E., Lakatua, D., and Halberg, F. (1967). The internal timing of several circadian rhvthms in the blinded mouse. Exp. Med. Surg. 25, 7–45.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hellman, L., Nakada, F., Curti, J., Weitzman, E. D., Kream, J., Roffward, H., Ellman, S., Fukushima, D. K., and Gallagher, T. F. (1970). Cortisol is secreted episodically by normal man. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 30, 411–422.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hiroshige, T. and Sakakura, M. (1971). Circadian rhythm of corticotropin releasing activity in the hypothalamus of normal and adrenalectomized rats. Neuroendocrinology 7, 25–36.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hiroshige, T. and Sato, T. (1970). Postnatal development of circadian rhythm of corticotropin-releasing activity in the rat hypothalamus. Endocrinol. Jap. 17, 1–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jailer, J. W. (1950). The maturation of the pituitary-adrenal axis in the newborn rat. Endocrinology 46, 420–425.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, J. T. and Levine, S. (1973). Influence of water deprivation on adrenocortical rhythms. Neuroendocrinology 11, 268–273.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T. (1973a). Effect of ocular enucleation and altered lighting regimens at various ages on the circadian periodicity of plasma corticosteroid levels in the rat. Endocrinology 93, 1077–1091.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T. (1973b). Pathophysiology of central nervous system regulation of anterior pituitary function. In: Biology of Brain dysfunction, Volume II, in press, Plenum Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T. (1973c). Neurotransmitter regulation of ACTH release. Mt. Sinai J. Med. New York 40, 302–304.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T. (1972). Circadian corticosteroid periodicity: critical period for abolition by neonatal injection of corticosteroid. Science 178, 1205–1207.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T. (1969). Factors influencing the circadian periodicity of adrenal steroid levels. Trans. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 32, 316–329.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T. (1961). Diurnal pattern of plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in pretectal and temporal lobe disease. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 21, 695–698.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T. and Glick, S. M. (1972). Growth hormone and Cortisol responsiveness in Cushing’s syndrome: relation to a possible central nervous system etiology. Amer. J. Med. 52, 25–40.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T. and Rizzo, F. (1971). Circadian periodicity of plasma 11-hydroxycorticosteroid levels in subjects with partial and absent light perception. Neuroendocrinology 8, 165–179.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T., Allen, W., Rizzo, F., and Krieger, H. P. (1971). Characterization of the normal pattern of plasma corticosteroid levels. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 32, 266–284.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T. and Rizzo, F. (1969). Circadian periodicity of plasma 17-OHCS: mediation by serotonin dependent pathways. Amer. J. Physiol. 217, 1703–1707.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T., Kreuzer, J., and Rizzo, F. A. (1969). Constant light: effect on circadian pattern and phase reversal of steroid and electrolyte levels in man. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 29, 1634–1638.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T., Silverberg, A. I., Rizzo, F., and Krieger, H. P. (1968). Abolition of circadian periodicity of plasma 17-OHCS levels in the cat. Am. J. Physiol. 215, 959–967.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T. and Krieger, H. P. (1967). The effect of short-term administration of CNS-acting drugs on the circadian variation of the plasma 17-OHCS in normal subjects. Neuroendocrinology 2, 232–246.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krieger, D. T. and Krieger, H. P. (1966). Circadian variation of the plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in central nervous system disease. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 26, 929–940.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lengvari, I. and Halfez, B. (1973). Evidence for a diurnal fluctuation in plasma corticosterone levels after fornix transection in the rat. Neuroendocrinology 11, 191–196.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marti, H., Studer, H., Dettweiler, W., and Rohner, R. (1969). Persistence of a physiological circadian rhythm of plasma-free 11-hydroxycorticosteroid in totally fasting obese subjects. Experientia 25, 320–321.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Matsuyama, H., Ruhmann-Wennhold, A., Johnson, L. R., and Nelson, D. H. (1972). Disappearance rates of exogenous and endogenous ACTH from rat plasma measured by bioassay and radioimmunoassay. Metab. Clin. Exp. 21, 30–35.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Migeon, C. J., Tyler, F. H., Mahoney, J. P., Florentin, A. A., Castle, H., Bliss, E. L., and Samuels, L. T. (1956). The diurnal variation of plasma levels and urinary excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids in normal subjects, night workers and blind subjects in man. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 16, 622–633.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Milkovfc, K. and Milkovfc, S. (1966). Adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion in the fetus and infant. In: Neuroendocrinology (Martini, L. and Ganong, W. F., eds.), Volume I, pp. 371–405, Academic Press, New York.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moberg, G. P., Scapagnini, V., deGroot, J., and Ganong, W. F. (1971). Effect of sectioning the fornix on diurnal fluctuation in plasma corticosterone levels in the rat. Neuroendocrinology 7, 11–15.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, R. Y. and Eichler, V. B. (1972). Loss of a circadian adrenal corticosterone rhythm following suprachiasmatic lesions in the rat. Brain Res. 42, 201–206.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, R. Y. and Lenn, N. J. (1972). A retinohypothalamic projection in the rat. J. Comp. Neurol. 146, 1–14

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nugent, C. A., Eik-Nes, K., Kent, H. S., Samuels, L. T., and Tyler, F. H. (1960). A possible explanation for Cushing’s syndrome associated with adrenal hyperplasia. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 20, 1259–1268.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orth, D. N. and Island, D. P. (1969). Light synchronization of the circadian rhythm in plasma Cortisol (17-OHCS) concentration in man. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 29, 479–486.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orth, D. N., Island, D. P., and Liddle, G. W. (1967). Experimental alteration of the circadian rhythm in plasma Cortisol (17-OHCS) concentration in man. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 27, 549–555.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Palka, A., Coyer, D., and Critchlow, V. (1969). Effects of isolation of medial basal hypothalamus on pituitary-adrenal and pituitaryovarian functions. Neuroendocrinology 5, 333–349.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Perkoff, G. T., Eik-Nes, K., Nugent, C. A., Fred, H. L., Nimer, R. A., Rush, L., Samuels, L. T., and Tyler, F. H. (1959). Studies of the diurnal variation of plasma 17-hydroxycorticosteroids. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 16, 432–443.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poland, R. E., Rubin, R. T., Clark, B. R., and Gouin, P. R. (1972). Circadian patterns of urine 17-OHC and VMA secretion during sleep deprivation. Dis. Nerv. Syst. 33, 456–458.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reis, D. J., Corvelli, A., and Conners, J. (1969). Circadian and ultradian rhythms of serotonin regionally in cat brain. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 167, 328–333.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reis, D. J., Weinbren, M., and Corvelli, A. (1968). A circadian rhythm of norepinephrine regionally in cat brain: its relationship to environmental lighting and to regional diurnal variations in brain serotonin. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 164, 135–145.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sachar, E. J., Hellman, L., Roffwarg, H. P., Halpern, F. S., Fukushima, D. K., and Gallagher, T. F. (1973). Disrupted 24-hour patterns of Cortisol secretion in psychotic depression. Arch. Gen. Psychiat. 28, 19–24.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Scheving, L. E. and Pauly, J. E. (1966). Effect of light on corticosterone levels in plasma of rats. Am. J. Physiol. 210, 1112–1117.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sholiton, L. J., Werk, E. E., Jr., and Marnell, R. T. (1961). Diurnal variation of adrenocortical function in non-endocrine disease states. Metab. Clin. Exp. 10, 632–646.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singley, J. A. and Chavin, W. (1971). Cortisol levels of normal goldfish and response to osmotic change. Am. Zool. 11, 653 (Abstract).

    Google Scholar 

  • Slater, G. G., Kollar, E. J., and Pasnau, R. O. (1967). Plasma corticoids cholesterol and glucose changes in men during 204 hours of sleep deprivation. Fed. Proc. 26, 484.

    Google Scholar 

  • Slusher, M. A. (1964). Effect of chronic hypothalamic lesions on diurnal and stress corticosteroid levels. Amer. J. Physiol. 206, 1161–1164.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stephan, F. K. and Zucker, I. (1972). Circadian rhythms in drinking behavior and locomotor activity of rats are eliminated by hypothalamic lesions. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci., U.S.A. 69, 1583–1586.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Takebe, K., Sakakura, M., and Mashimo, K. (1972). Continuance of diurnal rhythmicity of CRF activity in hypophysectomized rats. Endocrinology 90, 1515–1520.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tucci, J. R., Albacete, R. A., and Martin, M. M. (1966). Effect of liver disease upon steroid circadian rhythms in man. Gastroenterology 50, 637–644.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ungar, F. (1964). In vitro studies of adrenal-pituitary circadian rhythms in the mouse. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 117, 374–385.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vernikos-Danellis, J., Leach, C. S., Winget, C. M., Rambaut, P. C., and Mack, P. B. (1972). Thyroid and adrenal cortical rhythmicity during bed rest. J. Appl. Physiol. 33, 644–648.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Discussion References

  • Hellman, L, Nakada, F., Curti, J., Weitzman, E. D., Kream, J., Roffward, H., Ellman, S., Fukushima, D. K., and Gallagher, T. F. (1970). J. Clin. Endocrinol. 30, 411–422.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hiroshige, T., Abe, K., Wada, S., and Kanek, M. (1973). Neuroendocrinology 11, 306–320.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, J. J., and Kendall, J. W. (1972). In: IV International Congress of Endocrinology, Abstracts of Short Communications, p. 53, Excerpta Medica, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Korenskaya, E. F. (1967). Probl. Endokrinol. (Mosk) 13, 65–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki, T., Otsuka, K., Matsui, H., Ohakuzi, S., Sakai, K., and Harada, Y. (1967). Endocrinology 80, 1148–1151.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vernikos-Danellis, J., Leach, C. S., Winget, C. M., Rambaut, P. C., and Mack, P. B. (1971). J. Appl. Physiol. 33, 644–648.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City, New York, 10029, USA

    Dorothy T. Krieger

Authors
  1. Dorothy T. Krieger
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dairy Husbandry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA

    Laurence W. Hedlund

  2. Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA

    John M. Franz

  3. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA

    Alexander D. Kenny

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1975 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Krieger, D.T. (1975). Circadian Pituitary Adrenal Rhythms. In: Hedlund, L.W., Franz, J.M., Kenny, A.D. (eds) Biological Rhythms and Endocrine Function. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 54. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-8715-2_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-8715-2_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-8717-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-8715-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation