Cortisol affects on Serotonin, Norepinephrine, & Dopamine Essay

Cortisol affects on Serotonin, Norepinephrine, & Dopamine - Essay Example It can reduce or elevate blood sugar as well as affect the immune system. Cortisol is a steroid hormone released from the adrenal cortex in response to a hormone called ACTH (produced by the pituitary gland). According to Stewart ( 2008) â€Å"cortisol levels are often measured to evaluate how well the pituitary and adrenal glands are working† which is done through a simple blood test. Before furthering discussionthe relationship between cortisol and neurotransmitters , it is important to understand how the brain works. The brain has 10-100 billion neurons that transmit messages through electrical impulses to other neurons whenever we react, think, or feel. However , when an electrical impulse is received by the axon, the impulse becomes chemical in nature known as neurotransmitters. The main function of these neurotransmitters is to deliver the message from one neuron to another. When a dendrite receives the message, the chemical impulse is converted again into an electrical impulse which repeats the whole process again. â€Å"Of the 30 or so neurotransmitters that have been identified, researchers have discovered associations between clinical depression and the function of three primary ones: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These three neurotransmitters function within structures of the brain that regulate emotions, reactions to stress, and the physical drives of sleep, appetite, and sexuality†( Price 2004 ) In the introductory part of this paper, it was discussed how cortisol plays an important role in the body’s reaction to stress. Inceased cortisol release can benefit the body by preparing it for emergency or life-threatening situations by making it more physically responsive and alert. Unfortunately, chronic release of high amounts of cortisol can stress out the body which can lead to deteriorating physical condition as