Fig. 2
From: Complex and pleiotropic signaling pathways regulated by the secreted protein augurin
Augurin implication in the HPA axis. Upon an external or internal stressor, the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus induces the release of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), which in turn stimulates the release of the adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. ACTH promotes the synthesis and release of glucocorticoids (e.g. corticosterone in rodents and cortisol in humans) by the adrenal gland. Augurin stimulates the activation of the HPA axis via the release of CRH in rats [36]. A negative feedback response has been described involving cortisol/corticosterone—mediated rapid inhibition of HPA axis activity though inhibition of CRH and ACTH secretion from the PVN and anterior pituitary, respectively