Neuroendocrine responses to stressors in lactating and nonlactating mammals: a literature review.

Pamela D. Hill*, Robert T. Chatterton, Jean C. Aldag

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although stress research is a popular topic of study, little is known about the neuroendocrine responses to a stressor in lactating and nonlactating humans. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature was to examine the neuroendocrine responses, specifically the glucocorticoids and catecholamines, in lactating and nonlactating animals and humans to an acute stressor. A brief overview of the physiological stress response in the human is included. Animal studies strongly suggest that lactation is associated with major changes in neuroendocrine responses to a variety of acute stressors. Neuroendocrine responses in humans to stressors are less clear due to the limited research. Future research is needed involving these responses in humans generally, as well as specifically in the patterns of neuroendocrine responses to chronic stressors in lactating and nonlactating women.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)79-86
Number of pages8
JournalBiological research for nursing
Volume5
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2003

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Research and Theory

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