Posted by raybakes on September 22, 2004, at 5:56:08
In reply to Staying up all night as AD-raybakes? Larry? any?, posted by karaS on September 15, 2004, at 21:40:58
In line with my belief that depression is largely an inflammatory disease, found this on cortisol's anti inflammatory effects..
In response to an infection, or an inflammatory disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, cells of the immune system produce three substances that cause inflammation: interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). These substances, working either singly or in combination with each other, cause the release of CRH. IL-6 also promotes the release of ACTH and cortisol. Cortisol and other compounds then suppress the release of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF, in the process switching off the inflammatory response.So inflammatory cytokines trigger the release of cortisol, which then, rather neatly, switches them off.....but only if the cortisol can cross the blood brain barrier efficiently, and reach the hypothalamus. I wonder if this feedback is hindered in any way (poor cell membrane response, maybe helped by omega 3s?), whether a massive hit of cortisol from sleep deprivation, can hit the off switch for a little while, suppressing inflammation and relieving depression?
this scientific american article seems an interesting read...
poster:raybakes
thread:391316
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040901/msgs/393567.html