This week in pathophysiology we are studying endocrine functions. More specifically, we are focusing upon which structures secrete particular hormones, what triggers the release, and how the hormone affects bodily function. With some hormones, a releasing hormone from the hypothalamus is necessary for their secretion to begin. These hormones travel through the blood stream to initiate the action of their target cells (structures).
These hormones regulate changes/challenges called stress responses. When exposed to repeated stress, these response mechanisms become depleted and reach levels of diminishing return, therefore rather than the restoration of normal function, damage results. The ways in which these organ systems can be affected are by way of: the Immune defense system, Cancer (tumor growth cells), Cardiovascular disorders, Metabolic disorders, GI disorders, Reproductive and sexual disorders, Respiratory disorders, Musculoskeletal disorders, Pain, and Sleep patterns.
A friend of mine has chronic pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Acute pain is considered adaptive and in response to specific trauma or tissue injury, whereas chronic pain lasts beyond 6 months, and is no longer just adaptive, and can influence other functioning. The cycle of stress, inflammatory response, and pain are evident. Her painful episodes trigger the hypothalamus to release epinephrine and norepinephrine via the sympathetic nervous system, which in turn initiates the secretion of releasing hormones that reach the pituitary and the pituitary gland secretes other hormones that travel to the inflamed tissues. Although each time we respond to stress or pain we don't normally think about the body's endocrine responses, its helpful to look back and take the time to consider the complexity of our mind and body connection.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Chronic stress and biologic responses
In the blog I posted yesterday reference was made to the first two stages of the general adaptation syndrome. The first being: Alarm (response of the body to stress--epinephrine release) and the second Resistance (adaptive responses to the stressor--appraisal and coping).
In instances where the stress is prolonged the body reaches the third stage of Exhaustion. Exhaustion refers to the inability of the body to maintain the adaptive responses needed to maintain functional equilibrium. Any condition of change or challenge that places tension/strain is considered stress, and when this interferes with normal functioning, illness and disease can result.
Recently I was able to interview a patient who had an autoimmune disease. That patient, when exposed to prolonged stress would exhibit signs of being in the exhaustion stage and would suffer inflammatory responses/flare ups as a result. The patient was able to effectively maintain optimal health when careful consideration was given to diet, sleep, and compliance to medications.
In instances where the stress is prolonged the body reaches the third stage of Exhaustion. Exhaustion refers to the inability of the body to maintain the adaptive responses needed to maintain functional equilibrium. Any condition of change or challenge that places tension/strain is considered stress, and when this interferes with normal functioning, illness and disease can result.
Recently I was able to interview a patient who had an autoimmune disease. That patient, when exposed to prolonged stress would exhibit signs of being in the exhaustion stage and would suffer inflammatory responses/flare ups as a result. The patient was able to effectively maintain optimal health when careful consideration was given to diet, sleep, and compliance to medications.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Stages of General adaptation syndrome
As noted on page 112 of our test, Hans Selye was among the first researchers to present the notion that the body's response to stress, which are healthy, when endured for extended periods of time can cause homeostatic imbalance and lead to illness and disease. Stress defined as a condition of change, strain, or disequilibrium has been found to affect both the body and mind through various interacting domains such as genetic or biologic response, behavior (coping), cognition, sociocultural values, and life events (environmental).
Theory suggests that the disequilibrium in any of the above mentioned domains will affect the other in some interconnected way. When chronic stress affects an individual to the point that they can not return to a normal individual range of balance between their five domains, it is likely that the body will naturally respond to maintain this equilibrium. An example of the biological response domain would be a direct surge of incoming sensory information.
One day this week it snowed, and the back roads I drive to class are often covered by shade. Several icy patches were left, even after the sun melted most of the snow. During my drive I was very cautious when I spotted icy patches ahead. A small truck that was directly in front of me hydroplaned on one of the patches and I had to compensate by carefully pumping my breaks. Aware of the epinephrine that my nervous system secreted rapidly and the surge of hormones secreted by my endocrine glands, I recognized this as the flight or fight response (biologic and cognitive). It was brief and necessary stress needed to adapt to the situation. Since it was brief, my body quickly adapted. It is understandable how continued responses without return to homeostasis could lead to chronic stress and illness.
Theory suggests that the disequilibrium in any of the above mentioned domains will affect the other in some interconnected way. When chronic stress affects an individual to the point that they can not return to a normal individual range of balance between their five domains, it is likely that the body will naturally respond to maintain this equilibrium. An example of the biological response domain would be a direct surge of incoming sensory information.
One day this week it snowed, and the back roads I drive to class are often covered by shade. Several icy patches were left, even after the sun melted most of the snow. During my drive I was very cautious when I spotted icy patches ahead. A small truck that was directly in front of me hydroplaned on one of the patches and I had to compensate by carefully pumping my breaks. Aware of the epinephrine that my nervous system secreted rapidly and the surge of hormones secreted by my endocrine glands, I recognized this as the flight or fight response (biologic and cognitive). It was brief and necessary stress needed to adapt to the situation. Since it was brief, my body quickly adapted. It is understandable how continued responses without return to homeostasis could lead to chronic stress and illness.
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