Work

Evaluation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function in Childhood and Adolescence

Year: 2009

Type: review

Abstract: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays an important role in the maintenance of basal and stress-related homeostasis. The hypothalamus controls the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary, which in turn stimulates the secretion of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex. Glucocorticoids, the final effectors of the HPA axis, regulate a broad spectrum of physiologic functions essential for life and exert their effects through their ubiquitously distributed intracellular receptors. Alterations in the activity of the HPA axis may present with symptoms and signs of glucocorticoid deficiency or excess. Detailed endocrinologic evaluation is of primary importance in determining the diagnosis and/or etiology of the underlying condition. We review the most common endocrinologic investigations used in the evaluation of the HPA axis integrity and function.

Source: NeuroImmunoModulation

DOI: 10.1159/000216185

Authors: George P. Chrousos, Tomoshige Kino, Evangelia Charmandari

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Language: English

Topic: Adrenal Hormones and Disorders

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development