Hypocortisolism and increased glucocorticoid sensitivity of pro-Inflammatory cytokine production in Bosnian war refugees with posttraumatic stress disorder
BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with dysregulation of
the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Alterations include various responses to HPA
axis stimulation, different basal hormone levels, and changes in glucocorticoid receptor (GR)
numbers on lymphocytes. The functional significance of these latter changes remains
elusive. METHODS: Twelve Bosnian war refugees with PTSD and 13 control subjects were
studied. On 2 consecutive days, they collected saliva samples after awakening and at 11 …
the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Alterations include various responses to HPA
axis stimulation, different basal hormone levels, and changes in glucocorticoid receptor (GR)
numbers on lymphocytes. The functional significance of these latter changes remains
elusive. METHODS: Twelve Bosnian war refugees with PTSD and 13 control subjects were
studied. On 2 consecutive days, they collected saliva samples after awakening and at 11 …