Neuroendocrine Regulation of Stress Response in Clinical Models

A stress response is an evolutionary heritage of ability to anticipate, identify and effectively respond to danger. After millions of years of evolution, perception of variety of stressors mobilizes neurologic, neuroendocrine, endocrine, immunologic and metabolic systems to maintain an ability to survive and propagate gens (natural selection). Additionally, in humans these mechanisms involve complex and interrelated mental, emotional, behavioral and social processes. Behavioral adaptation is aimed on modulation of neural pathways that help to cope with stressful situations. These e.g. include changes of sensory thresholds, increased alertness, memory enhancement, suppression of hunger, and stress-induced analgesia.