محور واکنش HPA آزمایشگاهی در استرس روانی- اجتماعی در بزرگسالان سالم سالمندان، جوانان و کودکان: تاثیر سن و جنس

In sum, the stressor induced significant HPA axis responses in all age and gender groups. The observed ACTH response patterns in young and elderly adults may suggest that a heightened hypothalamic drive in young men decreases with age, resulting in similar ACTH responses in elderly men and women. Alternative interpretations are also discussed. The data also supports the idea of a greater adrenal cortex sensitivity to ACTH signals in young females. Free salivary cortisol responses were elevated in elderly men compared to elderly women, an effect which cannot be explained by gender differences in perceived stress responses to the TSST. It can be speculated if corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) and/or sex steroids are important modulators of these effects.