Psychedelic Neuroanatomy V: HPA Axis & the Neuroendocrine Stress Response (Brenna Bray, PhD, 2025)

Описание: I. Introduction to Psychedelic Science
This micro-lecture is part of Dr. Brenna Bray's Science of Pyschedelics Course (in the Neurobiology of Pschedelics Module). Here, we explore the neuroendocrine system and hormones.

II. The Neuroendocrine System
The neuroendocrine system regulates hormones in us.
Steroid hormones like cortisol are lipophilic.
This means they can cross fatty cell membranes.
They are not confined to one place in the body.
Pituitary hormones include oxytocin and vasopressin.

III. Steroid Hormones & Barriers
Steroid hormones can cross the blood-brain barrier.
They can act as neurotransmitters within the brain.
They can also cross the important gut-brain barrier.
These hormones can be synthesized within the gut.
They can even alter genetic expression in the cell.

IV. The HPA Axis Stress Response
The HPA axis controls our reaction to stress.
The hypothalamus is activated by stressful events.
It stimulates corticotropin-releasing factor.
This factor stimulates the pituitary gland.
The pituitary secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone.

V. Adrenal Glands & Cortisol
Adrenocorticotropic hormone acts on the adrenals.
Adrenal glands sit right on top of the kidneys.
They are stimulated to secrete the hormone cortisol.
Cortisol produces a peripheral stress response.
It can also diffuse into the blood and the brain.

VI. The Hippocampus & Negative Feedback
Cortisol eventually acts on hippocampal receptors.
This interaction imposes a negative feedback loop.
This feedback loop turns the stress system off.
Conversely, cortisol on the amygdala turns it on.
The stress system connects to digestion and mood.

VII. Psychedelics and the Pituitary Gland
Psychedelics change pituitary hormone synthesis.
We see impacts in tissues downstream of the gland.
This includes nearly all central cortical tissues.
Psychedelics change our hormone stress responses.
This occurs via impacts on the entire HPA axis.

VIII. Changes in Hormone Functions
Psychedelics can change various hormone functions.
This can include alterations in appetite and sleep.
They impact central tissues sensitive to cortisol.
These tissues include the amygdala and hippocampus.
The ventral striatum and cortex are also affected.

IX. Emotional Regulation and Healing
Psychedelics change emotional regulatory capacity.
They influence emotional intensity in the brain.
Impacts span from the pituitary to the brain.
The HPA axis is integral to the immune system.
Healing focuses on restoring this natural balance.

X. Summary of the HPA Axis
The HPA axis is highly interconnected in the body.
It regulates digestion, mood, and even sexuality.
Psychedelics offer a unique way to modulate it.
They act on receptors throughout the entire body.
This highlights their therapeutic potential.

XI. About the Creator: Brenna Bray, PhD
Dr. Bray is a Scientific Researcher, Professor, & creator of this content.
Dr. Bray holds a PhD in Biomedical Science & Neuroscience.
Her research explored the Hippocampal-HPA Stress System.
Focussing on links to reward neurotransmission in health & withdrawal.
She has postdoctorate training in Eating Disorders & Integrative Health.
Her research is NIH-funded (‪@NIHgov‬ ‪@NIDANIH‬ ‪@NIH_NCCIH‬).
Dr. Bray serves as a researcher; professor; health, nutrition, & behavior change coach; & Founder, Director, & CEO of the NourishED Research Foundation (https://nourishedrfi.org).

XII. Additional Resource Support
See NourishED RFI's NotebookLM Resource Support Page.
https://notebooklm.google.com/noteboo...

XIII. Source
Bray, B. (2025). The HPA Axis & Neuroendocrine Stress Responses [Video]. NourishED Research Foundation.

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