Adaptation in tissue sustained by hormonal loops

Abstract

When faced with the requirements for the design of an autonomous adaptive system, many aspects of the system organisation need be addressed. In living systems, the co-evolution with the environment has provided the solution for such challenges in a form of inherent mechanisms which are employed when the environmental fluctuation occurs leading to the organism achieving adaptation through some adaptive process. In this paper we investigate such mechanisms, more precisely the priniples on which their operation is based. In particular, the focus is set on endocrine system within homeostatic processes. We postulate that adaptation to a fluctuating environment can be achieved if initiated and sustained by the hormone flow loops. Such statement is further supported by simulations. Based on the recognised advantages of the system organisation endowed with the ability to form hormonal loops, the avenues of research are identified for further work. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.