Amniotic fluid and umbilical cord plasma corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), CRF-binding protein, adrenocorticotropin, and cortisol concentrations in intraamniotic infection and inflammation at term

Context: Pregnant tissues express corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a peptide modulating fetal and placental ACTH and cortisol secretion. These actions are modulated by the locally expressed CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP). Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether CRF, CRF-BP, ACTH, and cortisol concentrations change in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord plasma in the presence of intraamniotic infection/inflammation (IAI) in women with spontaneous labor at term. Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center for obstetric care. Patients: Patients included women in active labor at term with (n = 39) and without (controls; n = 78) IAI. Main Outcome Measures: Amniotic fluid and umbilical cord plasma concentrations of CRF, CRF-BP, ACTH, and cortisol measured by RIA and immunoradiometric assays were measured. Results: In patients with IAI, amniotic fluid CRF (0.97 +/- 0.18 ng/ml) and CRF-BP (33.06 +/- 5.54 nmol/liter) concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than in controls (CRF: 0.32 +/- 0.04 ng/ml; CRF-BP: 14.69 +/- 2.79 ml). The umbilical cord plasma CRF and CRF-BP concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001 for all) higher in women with IAI than in controls (CRF: 2.96 +/- 0.35 ng/ml vs. 0.38 +/- 0.18 ng/ml; CRF-BP: 152.12 +/- 5.94 nmol/liter vs. 106.9 +/- 5.97 nmol/liter). In contrast, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Amniotic fluid and umbilical cord plasma CRF and CRF-BP concentrations are increased in women with spontaneous labor at term and IAI. CRF-BP may modulate CRF actions on ACTH and cortisol secretion, playing a pivotal role in limiting the inflammatory process and thus avoiding an overactivation of the fetal/placental hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis at birth.

The impact of maternal cortisol concentrations on child arterial elasticity

Epidemiological studies suggest that glucocorticoid excess in the fetus may contribute to the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. However, the impact of maternal glucocorticoid on the cardiovascular system of the offspring has not been much explored in studies involving humans, especially in childhood. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of maternal cortisol concentrations on child arterial elasticity. One hundred and thirty pregnant women followed from 1997 to 2000, and respective children 5-7 years of age followed from 2004 to 2006 were included in the study. Maternal cortisol was determined in saliva by an enzyme immunoassay utilizing the mean concentration of nine samples of saliva. Arterial elasticity was assessed by the large artery elasticity index (LAEI; the capacitive elasticity of large arteries) by recording radial artery pulse wave, utilizing the equipment HDI/PulseWave CR-2000 Cardiovascular Profiling System (R). The nutritional status of the children was determined by the body mass index (BMI). Insulin concentration was assessed by chemiluminescence, and insulin resistance by the homeostasis model assessment. Blood glucose, total cholesterol and fractions (LDL-c and HDL-c) and triglyceride concentrations were determined by automated enzymatic methods. The association between maternal cortisol and child arterial elasticity was assessed by multivariate linear regression analysis. There was a statistically significant association between maternal cortisol and LAEI (P=0.02), controlling for birth weight, age, BMI and HDL-c of the children. This study suggests that exposure to higher glucocorticoid concentrations in the prenatal period is associated to lower arterial elasticity in childhood, an earlier cardiovascular risk marker.

Effects of a continuous rate infusion of butorphanol in isoflurane-anesthetized horses on cardiorespiratory parameters, recovery quality, gastrointestinal motility and serum cortisol concentrations

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Contribution de modèle demande-contrôle-soutien à la variation des concentrations de cortisol salivaire

L’objectif principal de ce mémoire est d’approfondir les connaissances à propos de l’impact des stresseurs organisationnels sur la concentration du cortisol salivaire. Plus précisément, nous étudierons la contribution des modèles demande-contrôle de Karasek (1979) et demande-contrôle-soutien de Karasek et Theorell (1990) à la variation du cortisol salivaire chez les individus. Les associations entre les composantes principales de chacun des modèles (demandes psychologiques, latitude décisionnelle et soutien social), mais également les effets d’interaction inclus dans ces modèles, c’est-à-dire de l’effet modérateur de la latitude décisionnelle et du soutien social, seront étudiés. L’axe HPS a été associé aux symptômes de la santé mentale (Abelson et al., 2007; Havermans et al., 2011; Vreeburg et al., 2009b, 2010, 2013; Staufenbiel, 2013) ainsi qu’aux stresseurs en milieu de travail (Chida et Steptoe, 2009). À l’heure actuelle, le cortisol salivaire serait un indicateur de l’axe hypothalamo-pituito-surrénalien (HPS) le plus prometteur pour mesurer la réponse physiologique face à un événement stressant ou à un stress chronique (Maïna et al., 2009). Les données proviennent de l’étude SALVEO, menée par l’Équipe de recherche sur le travail et la santé mentale de l’Université de Montréal. Les résultats des analyses multiniveaux ne soutiennent pas l’implication du modèle demande-contrôle-soutien sur la concentration de cortisol. En effet, elles ne permettent pas de conclure que les effets, autant principaux que d’interaction, du modèle demande-contrôle-soutien expliquent la variation dans les concentrations de cortisol. La consommation de tabac est significativement reliée à la concentration de cortisol salivaire et doit être prise en considération dans les études futures. Par conséquent, ces résultats suggèrent que d’autres recherches sont nécessaires pour comprendre comment les stresseurs du travail s’incorporent à l’individu au niveau physiologique. Des connaissances approfondies de ces associations permettraient de mieux comprendre les associations entre le stress à long terme et les effets sur la santé, c’est-à-dire, comment les tensions au travail affectent la santé mentale à long terme (Karhula et al., 2015).

Serum cortisol, lactate and creatinine concentrations in Thoroughbred fillies of different ages and states of training

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Changes in plasma thyroid hormones and cortisol levels in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) exposed to the extracted microcystins

The endocrine response of crucian carp injected intraperitoneally with extracted microcystins (MC) was investigated in this study. Fish were injected intraperitoneally either with 0.75% NaCl (control) and Microcystis extract corresponding to 150 and 600 mu g microcystins per kg body weight. The plasma levels of triiodothyronine (T-3), thyroxine (T-4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and cortisol were determined at 0, 1, 3, 12, 24. and 48 h post-administration of MC-containing extract. Treated fish displayed abnormal behaviors, Such as a startle response and disoriented swimming, as well as changes in ventilation rates. Plasma cortisol concentrations of fish in both dose groups significantly increased after administration of extracted MC and remained high throughout the experiment, which suggested that MC elicited a stress response in treated fish. The profiles of cortisol changes in treated fish appeared to be dose dependent, indicating that fish in the high dose group experienced greater MC-incluced disturbance. Mortality occurred after 12 h in the high dose group. Plasma levels of T-4, T-3, FT4, and FT3 did not vary significantly between the control fish. In contrast to this, fish exposed to MC-containing extract showed significant declines in T-3, FT4, and FT3 levels in a dose-depenclent manner throughout the experiment. Plasma T4 levels, however, did not vary significantly in the low dose group, whereas they decreased significantly it 48 h post injection in the high dose group. This study demonstrates that administration of microcystins-containing extract causes a stress response and reduces the plasma levels of thyroid hormones in crucian carp. These results illustrate that microcystins exerted potent effects on the endocrine system of crucian carp, through activating their hypothalamus-pituitary- interrenal axis and disturbing thyroid function. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Maximal strength and cortisol responses to psyching-up during the squat exercise

McGuigan, M. R., Ghiagiarelli, J., Tod, D. (2005). Maximal strength and cortisol responses to psyching-up during the squat exercise. Journal of Sports Sciences, 23 (7), 687-692. RAE2008

Post awakening salivary cortisol secretion and trait well-being: The importance of sample timing accuracy

Indices of post awakening cortisol secretion (PACS), include the rise in cortisol(cortisol awakening response: CAR) and overall cortisol concentrations (e.g. area under the curve with reference to ground: AUCg) in the first 30—45 min. Both are commonly investigated in relation to psychosocial variables. Although sampling within the domestic setting is ecologically valid, participant non-adherence to the required timing protocol results in erroneous measurement of PACS and this may explain discrepancies in the literature linking these measures to trait well-being (TWB). We have previously shown that delays of little over 5 min(between awakening and the start of sampling) to result in erroneous CAR estimates. In this study, we report for the first time on the negative impact of sample timing inaccuracy (verified by electronic-monitoring) on the efficacy to detect significant relationships between PACS and TWB when measured in the domestic setting.Healthy females (N = 49, 20.5 ± 2.8 years) selected for differences in TWB collected saliva samples (S1—4) on 4 days at 0, 15, 30, 45 min post awakening, to determine PACS. Adherence to the sampling protocol was objectively monitored using a combination of electronic estimates of awakening (actigraphy) and sampling times (track caps).Relationships between PACS and TWB were found to depend on sample timing accuracy. Lower TWB was associated with higher post awakening cortisol AUCg in proportion to the mean sample timing accuracy (p < .005). There was no association between TWB and the CAR even taking into account sample timing accuracy. These results highlight the importance of careful electronic monitoring of participant adherence for measurement of PACS in the domestic setting. Mean sample timing inaccuracy, mainly associated with delays of >5 min between awakening and collection of sample 1 (median = 8 min delay), negatively impacts on the sensitivity of analysis to detect associations between PACS and TWB.

Variação estacional dos hormônios tireoideanos e do cortisol em ovinos em ambiente tropical

Foram estudadas as variações nas concentrações de cortisol e dos hormônios da tireóide de ovinos da raça Corriedale criados em ambiente tropical. Vinte e um ovinos (14 machos e sete fêmeas) foram mantidos em uma câmara climática à 45ºC por nove dias, 8 horas por dia. Registraram-se a temperatura retal (TR) e a frequência respiratória (FR) dos animais, a temperatura ambiente (TA) e a pressão parcial de vapor (PV). Os animais foram posteriormente classificados de acordo com suas respostas quanto à TR e à FR, selecionando-se cinco animais mais aclimatados (grupo A) e cinco animais menos aclimatados (grupo NA) às altas temperaturas do ar. Esses dez animais foram transferidos para um cercado, onde foram registradas a TR e FR duas vezes ao dia e coletadas as amostras sanguíneas uma vez por semana, durante um ano. Foram observadas diferenças nas concentrações de cortisol, de tiroxina (T4) e de triiodotironina (T3), atribuídas às variações na TA e na PV. Ocorreram maiores concentrações de cortisol e menores de T4 e de T3 nos períodos de maior TA e/ou PV, sendo que as estimativas dos coeficientes de correlação (r) das variáveis TA e PV com o cortisol foram r = 0,224 e r = 0,395, respectivamente. As correlações entre os hormônios tireoideanos e a TA foram negativas (r = -0,156, para T4, e r = -0,151, para T3), evidenciando que um aumento na TA causou redução na taxa metabólica. As variáveis medidas não diferiram entre os grupos de animais classificados. Portanto, a utilização apenas das variáveis fisiológicas TR e FR como parâmetros para a seleção não é suficiente para se avaliar o grau de aclimatação dos animais ao ambiente tropical.

Níveis séricos de cortisol e 17-& estradiol durante o ciclo estral em marrãs (Sus domestica - Linnaeus 1758)

In the present study 21 young swine females, sexually mature, reared and kept under an industrial management system were assessed for cortisol and oestradiol-17 beta serum prolifes during the oestrus cycle. Blood sampling was performed always at the same interval, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Each animal was submitted to 14 venal punctions at days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22 and 23 of the oestrous cycle. The first day of the oestrous phase was assumed to be day 0 and the 23(rd) as the first of the next cycle. Hormone determinations were performed using a solid phase radioimmunoassay (RIA). Regarding to cortisol concentrations, there was a variation from 3.5 to 8.0 mu g/dl and for oestradiol-17 beta the mean values detected varied from 3.5 to 14.9pg/ml.

Cortisol in saliva and plasma of cattle after ACTH administration and milking

Interest in the measurement of salivary cortisol has increased recently because saliva can be easily collected before and after an imposed stress. This study evaluated the relationship between plasma and salivary concentrations of cortisol following ACTH administration in calves ( experiment 1) and machine milking of adult cows ( experiment 2). A catheter was inserted into the jugular vein of all animals 72 h before the beginning of experiments. Blood and saliva samples were collected before and after ACTH administration (0.6 IU/kg BW) in calves or before and after machine milking of cows. Using a cotton swab, each saliva sample was taken immediately following the blood sample. In general, cortisol profiles were similar in plasma and saliva and correlated in both experiments; however, plasma concentrations were significantly higher than salivary concentrations. In addition, the differences between cortisol concentrations measured in saliva and plasma within each experiment varied substantially between animals and samples. Furthermore, in experiment 2, nearly 10% of salivary samples were below limits of detection. The sharp peaks in cortisol after ACTH administration in both the plasma and saliva were reflected adrenal stimulation. In addition, increases in cortisol in response to milking in both the plasma and saliva suggest that salivary sampling is a reliable option when studying cortisol responses to normal physiological events.

Malondialdeído, vitamina E, cortisol, hemograma e enzimas musculares em eqüinos da raça Árabe submetidos ao exercício em esteira de alta

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Estados emocionais de estresse e cortisol salivar na escalada em rocha

Pós-graduação em Ciências da Motricidade - IBRC

As fases do treinamento de natação influenciam os substratos energéticos, cortisol e leucócitos

The effect of physical exercise in immune function has been extensively studied. The intensity and duration of physical exercise have considerable influence in immunologic parameters. However, few studies have compared different exercise intensities in different stages of a physical training program. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the metabolic, hormonal and immunologic changes before and after acute intermittent swimming exercise, following different stages of training program. Seventeen male swimmers were evaluated in three stages of training. The intensity of the three sessions was 90% (anaerobic potency – PAN), 70% (aerobic potency - PAE) and 98% (lactate tolerance – TLA) of the maximal speed from the best time of the distance, resulted from peak performance in competition. Blood samples were collected pre and immediately after exercise for cells counting and measurement of substrates and cortisol concentrations. It was used ANOVA to verify the significance of difference (p<0.05). There was a significant increase of glucose and cortisol post exercise in the PAN and PAE sessions. Glutamine increased significantly in PAE and TLA. Leukocytes increased significantly after the three different sessions and lymphocytes decreased significantly on PAE and TLA. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that changes of the several parameters studied in different stages of training program can cause temporary alterations in immune cells and may compromise resistance to common minor illnesses and athlete performance.