A Review of the Effect of Stress, Cortisol, and Toxin Induced Stress Responses on Homeostasis in Humans and Experimental Animals
Date of Award
2007
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
McCord, Elzie
Keywords
Stress Psychology, Neurobiology, Biology
Area of Concentration
Biology
Abstract
This thesis reviews recently published literature in an attempt to characterize stress responses particularly regarding the effects of chronic stress on an organism's ability to maintain homeostasis. When a stressful stimulus is presented to an organism, the organism will respond according to Hans Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome. First, the organism will respond with alarm, a phase distinguished by the onset of an endocrine cascade that results in a state of heightened physiological arousal. Afterward, the organism will enter the resistance phase. If the resistance phase is prolonged, the organism is affected by chronic stress. This thesis emphasizes the fact that the stress response is essentially the same whether the stressor presented to the organism is directly physiological (i.e., hypoxia or a toxin/toxicant) or emotional (processed via limbic circuitry). Of particular relevance to human health, stress responses do not always result in quick resolution of emotional stressors, especially social stressors. Therefore, it is common for these stimuli to result in chronic stress, which is implicated in the onset of a number of pathologies. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine and cardiac glycosides are used to illustrate how these toxins may elicit stress responses in model organisms, including humans, rats and mice, and lower primates. These particular toxins were chosen due to their importance in global society.
Recommended Citation
Boissoneault, Jeffrey B., "A Review of the Effect of Stress, Cortisol, and Toxin Induced Stress Responses on Homeostasis in Humans and Experimental Animals" (2007). Theses & ETDs. 3745.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3745
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.