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Stress Signaling

Meaning

Stress Signaling encompasses the entire chain of molecular and physiological events initiated when the body perceives a threat, encompassing both acute challenges and chronic environmental pressures. This involves the rapid activation of the HPA axis, leading to the release of glucocorticoids like cortisol, which mobilize energy substrates and transiently suppress non-essential functions like digestion and reproduction. Understanding this signaling is vital for assessing systemic load. Persistent signaling leads to clinical pathology.