Mathematic Models of HPA Axis
Mathematical models of w:Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis
Overview of HPA axis[edit | edit source]
Why should I care about HPA axis[edit | edit source]
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
- Hypothalamus - Activated by stress to release CRH , negative feedback from Cortisol
- Pituitary gland - Activated by CRH to release ACTH , negative feedback from Cortisol
- Adrenal glands - Activated by ACTH to release Cortisol
Chemistry[edit | edit source]
- CRH
- ACTH
- Cortisol
Receptors[edit | edit source]
- Glucocorticoid Receptor
- MR
GR Expression model (Gupta et. al)[edit | edit source]
(using equations and notation from http://www.ploscompbiol.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pcbi.1000273 )
- F - input to system, stress, stimulates hypothalamus
- C - CRH, released by Hypothalamus, stimulates pituitary
- A - ACTH, released by pituitary, stimulates adrenals
- O - Cortisol, output of the system, inhibits production of both CRH and ACTH
Constant Degradation Rate[edit | edit source]
This model assumes that all three chemicals undergo degradation, each at their own constant rates.
Inputs to Hypothalamus[edit | edit source]
In this model, the hypothalamus is stimulated by two sources-- circadian rhythm input (K_c) and stress input (F):
- Input =
Cortisol inhibition of Hypothalamus sensitivity[edit | edit source]
In this model, Cortisol decreases hypothalamic sensitivity to input:
That is-- When O=0, sensitivity would be at 100%. As O increases, sensitivity decreases.
CRH equation[edit | edit source]
- Stress stimulation
- Circadian stimulation
- Linear inhibition from Cortisol
- Linear Degradation
Cortisol Equation (Adrenals equation)[edit | edit source]
Cortisol production is stimulated by ACTH. Additionally, cortisol undergoes linear degradation.
- ACTH stimulation
- Linear Degradation
Both effects are captured in the following equation:
CRH Equation (Hypothalamus Equation)[edit | edit source]
ACTH Equation (Pituitary Equation)[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
http://www.ploscompbiol.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pcbi.1000273 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1804264/