Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine Interactions in Major Depressive Disorder
Summary
Major depressive disorder arises from complex bidirectional communication among psychological processes, neural circuits and endocrine mediators. Disrupted regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis leads to sustained elevation of glucocorticoids, altering hippocampal and prefrontal connectivity and amplifying neuroinflammatory cascades. Conversely, inflammation driven by activated immune cells within the brain can impair monoaminergic and glutamatergic transmission, while autonomic dysregulation contributes to somatic and cognitive symptoms. Genetic and epigenetic variations further modulate individual vulnerability by shaping stress responsivity and allostatic adaptation. Integrative research now seeks to map these intersecting pathways to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets that restore network homeostasis and resilience.
Research from Nature Portfolio
One foundational study using an animal model has demonstrated that exposure to extremely low-frequency electric fields can suppress immobilisation-induced elevation of glucocorticoids, shedding light on modulatory mechanisms of the HPA axis under stress conditions analogous to those observed in major depressive disorder.
Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine Interactions in Major Depressive Disorder publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in psycho-neuro-endocrine interactions in major depressive disorder across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis: The neuroendocrine network coordinating stress hormone release.
Glucocorticoid: A class of steroid hormones, such as cortisol, that regulate metabolism and immune responses during stress.
Allostasis: The process by which the body achieves stability through physiological adaptation to stressors.
Autonomic nervous system: The branch of the nervous system governing involuntary functions, including sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.
References
- Extremely low-frequency electric field suppresses not only induced stress response but also stress-related tissue damage in mice. Scientific Reports (2020).
- Biomarker Development for Brain-Based Disorders: Recent Progress in Psychiatry.. Journal of Neurology and Psychology (2013).
- Suppression of Glucocorticoid Response in Stressed Mice Using 50 Hz Electric Field According to Immobilization Degree and Posture. Biology (2022).
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