Vulnerability in Early Life to Changes in the Rearing Environment Plays a Crucial Role in the Aetiopathology of Psychiatric Disorders

摘要

The activity of neuronal circuitry is modulated at least by the endocrinological system and its disruption underlies mental disorders. Stress is known to activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (a major endocrinological system) and production of glucocorticoids by the adrenals. Receptors for these steroids are expressed throughout the brain, and can act as transcription factors and so regulate gene expression. Elevated corticosterone influences function of neurotransmission and induces behavioral changes. Further, glucocorticoids can have potentially long-lasting effects on the functions of the brain that regulate release of neurotransmitters.