Endocrine and inflammatory alterations in post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder has frequently been found associated with alterations in endogenous stress hormone systems, for example the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis and sympatho–adrenal–medullary system. Hormonal alterations are observed at the central and peripheral level of the central nervous system, and in the periphery for inflammatory disinhibition. Both consequences bear significant hazards for the individual, the former by sustaining or exacerbating the psychiatric condition, the latter by its detrimental effects on somatic health. However, the role of hormonal modifications in the development and maintenance of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and in the accompanying cognitive and emotional impairments still remains quite unclear.

Keywords::

• post-traumatic stress disorder
• PTSD
• trauma
• hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis
• cortisol
• sympatho-adrenal–medullary system
• norepinephrine
• epinephrine
• inflammatory cytokines
• stress reactivity

Acknowledgments

Michèle Wessa is supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG; We3638/1–1, and SFB 636/C1); Nicolas Rohleder is supported by the DFG (Ro 2353/4–1) and the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR).