WHAT ARE THE BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ACUTE STRESS?
The best way to envision the effect of acute stress is to imagine oneself in a primitive situation, such as being chased by a bear. The Brain’s Response to Acute Stress In response to seeing the bear, a part of the brain called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system is activated. Release of Steroid Hormones and the Stress Hormone Cortisol. The HPA systems trigger the production and release of steroid hormones (glucocorticoids), including the primary stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is very important in marshaling systems throughout the body (including the heart, lungs, circulation, metabolism, immune systems, and skin) to deal quickly with the bear. Release of Catecholamines. The HPA system also releases certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) called catecholamines, particularly those known as known as dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (also called adrenaline). Catecholamines activate an area inside the brain called the amygdala, which apparently triggers an e
