What is the Origin of Glucocorticoid Negative Feedback?

This is a classical concept in endocrinology, stemming from the foundational understanding of feedback loops that govern all hormonal axes. The term "negative feedback" describes the inhibitory action that maintains hormone concentrations within a tightly controlled physiological range.

What is the Mechanism of Glucocorticoid Negative Feedback?

When cortisol concentrations rise above the set-point, the hormone binds to glucocorticoid receptors (GR) located in the hypothalamus and pituitary. This binding initiates a cascade that decreases the transcription and secretion of CRH and ACTH, respectively. The resulting reduction in ACTH leads to decreased stimulation of the adrenal cortex, thereby lowering cortisol synthesis and restoring systemic balance. Chronic stress can lead to impaired negative feedback sensitivity, contributing to HPA axis dysregulation.

Glucocorticoid Negative Feedback ∞ Area

Glucocorticoid Negative Feedback

Meaning

A fundamental homeostatic regulatory loop within the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis where elevated levels of circulating glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, act to suppress their own production. This suppression occurs by inhibiting the release of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. This essential mechanism ensures that the body’s stress response is appropriately terminated once the acute threat has passed.