Fig. 1

Schematic diagram of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland (HPA) axis. Shown are the different structures and hormones involved in the HPA-axis. CRF, produced and released by the hypothalamus, stimulates the anterior pituitary to produce and release ACTH, which in turn stimulates the production and release of cortisol by the adrenal cortex. Cortisol inhibits both the hypothalamus and pituitary through the GR. PVN = paraventricular nucleus; GR = glucocorticoid receptor; CRF = adrenocorticotrophic hormone releasing factor; ACTH = adrenocorticotrophic hormone; + = stimulating; − = inhibiting