Addiction and the adrenal cortex

摘要: Substantial evidence shows that the hypophyseal–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and corticosteroids are involved in process of addiction to a variety agents, adrenal cortex has key role. In general, plasma concentrations cortisol (or corticosterone rats or mice) increase on drug withdrawal manner suggests correlation with behavioural symptomatic sequelae both man experimental animals. Corticosteroid levels fall back normal values resumption intake. The possible interactions between brain corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) proopiomelanocortin (POMC) products systemic HPA, additionally local CRH–POMC system gland itself, complex. Nevertheless, increasingly all may be interlinked CRH POMC interact blood-borne HPA directly indirectly. Corticosteroids themselves known affect mood profoundly addictive. Additionally, there is heightened susceptibility for addicted subjects relapse conditions associated change activity, such as stress, at different times day. Recent studies give compelling significant part array addictive symptoms attributable secretory activity actions corticosteroids. sex differences also adrenocortical function: humans, males protected through higher secretion DHEA (and DHEAS), rats, females more susceptible because secretion.