So, in 1995 it was "clearly established" that stress may "directly regulate brain function" and that the effects can be short term and/or long term. But nobody told the neurologists what the endocrinologists knew. And nobody told us.


1: J Psychiatry Neurosci. 1995 Nov;20(5):349-56.

Steroid effects on brain functions: an example of the action of glucocorticoids
on central dopaminergic and neurotensinergic systems.

Rostène W, Sarrieau A, Nicot A, Scarceriaux V, Betancur C, Gully D, Meaney M,
Rowe W, De Kloet R, Pelaprat D, et al.

Inserm U. 339, Hôpital St-Antoine, Paris, France.

It is now clearly established that steroid hormones released from peripheral
endocrine glands may, through specific receptors in the brain, directly regulate
brain function. These effects may be rapid or involve long-term modifications at
the genomic level. Concerning the glucocorticoids, their receptors are found in
most neuronal cells, an observation which can be related to their widespread
effects on neuronal metabolism. Furthermore, glucocorticoids are often related to
stress. We have previously demonstrated that neonatal handling of the rat
prevented excessive endocrine response to stress. In adults, this action appeared
to protect the animal from potential damaging effects of glucocorticoids and from
related impairment of cognitive functions. The effects of glucocorticoids are
thought to involve an interaction of several central neurotransmitter systems.
One such neurotransmitter is neurotensin, a neuropeptide which was reported to be
closely related to central dopaminergic system regulation. This paper presents a
rapid overview of the central effects of glucocorticoids and possible evidence
for the interrelationship between these steroids, dopamine and neurotensin
systems in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. It provides
a new way to approach stress responses and to develop new substances that may
become potential drugs in the treatment of some psychiatric disorders.

PMID: 8527421 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]