The Stress Response, Stress Hyperglycemia and Stress Hyperlactemia

Abstract

Exposure of the host to diverse noxious stimuli results in a stereotypic and coordinated response, referred to by Hans Selye as the “general adaption syndrome” (or stress response) which serves to restore homeostasis and enhance survival [1]. The stress response is mediated primarily by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis as well as the sympathoadrenal system (SAS). Activation of the HPA axis results in increased secretion from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) (see Fig. 13.1) [2].