Coronary Microvascular Function and Beyond: The Crosstalk between Hormones, Cytokines, and Neurotransmitters

Figure 3

A simplified schematic representation of the stress system and the effectors of the stress response. The CRH/AVP neurons and central catecholaminergic neurons of the LC/NE system are reciprocally connected. Several feedback loops control the time-integrated secretion of cortisol and the activity of the HPA axis. Furthermore glucocorticoids stimulate the fear centers in the amygdala. Activation of the HPA axis leads to the suppression of the GH/IGF-1, LH/testosterone (T)/estradiol 2 (E2), and TSH/T3 axes. HPA axis, sympathetic system, and immune system activity are related. Blue lines indicate stimulation; red lines indicate inhibition. Abbreviations are as in the text. Modified from [130].