Stress , Glucocorticoids , and the Brain

• Corticosteroids function to optimize the stress response and are thus essential for the organism to cope with the stressor. • Corticosteroid signaling is mediated by two receptors: the high-affinity mineralocorticoid receptor and the low-affinity glucocorticoid receptor. • Imbalance between central glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor affects the secretion of corticosteroids and has profound consequences for adaptation to stress. • Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor gene affect not only corticosteroid production and secretion but also the effects of corticosteroids in different physiological and behavorial systems. • Other influences such as trauma can permanently alter the glucocorticoid/mineralocorticoid receptor balance.