Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid the body makes from another amino acid called phenylalanine. It is a building block for several important neurotransmitters, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells communicate and influence mood. Tyrosine also helps in the function of organs responsible for making and regulating hormones, including the adrenal, thyroid, and pituitary glands. It is involved in the structure of almost every protein in the body.

Protein/peptide hormones

Protein hormones include insulin, secretin, prolactin and growth hormone. While the peptides include corticotrophin- releasing hormone (CRH), oxytocin, gastrin and dopamine.

Steroid hormones

Steroid hormones are steroids that act like hormones. They are grouped by the receptors to which they bind. Key examples include cortisol, oestrogen, testosterone and aldosterone.

ACTH

CORTISOL Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, which is a part of the adrenal gland. It is usually referred to as the “stress hormone” as it is involved in response to stress and anxiety. It increases blood pressure and blood sugar, and reduces immune responses. Various synthetic forms of cortisol are used to treat a variety of different illnesses. The most well-known of these is a natural metabolic intermediary of cortisol called hydrocortisone.. Cortisol increases blood sugar by stimulating the

production of glucose so it directly controls part of our energy metabolism. It also helps to maintain blood volume by preventing a shift of water into the cells. We can theorise that one of the mechanisms of fascial dehydration comes about due to excessive cortisol levels in the body, since it restricts water transfer into tissue cells. This can have long reaching effects since we need to our connective tissue to remain warm, moist and resilient (see figure 1).

Effects of cortisol High cortisol levels have four main effects on the body: 1. Depress cartilage and bone formation 2. Inhibit inflammation by stabilising lysosomal membranes and preventing vasodilation 3. Depress the immune system

4. Promote neural and gastrointestinal function.

Cortisol has been used for the treatment of systemic disease to great effect. Rheumatic, respiratory, intestinal and neural diseases and disorders have all been treated with cortisol and many of the effects come from the histochemical response to the adrenal hormones (5). Cortisol in high levels probably has an inhibitory influence on bone formation through the decrease of insulin growth

HELPS MAINTAIN BLOOD VOLUME 18

CORTISOL HELPS KEEP BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS CONSTANT AND

factor-I (IGF-I). Cortisol inhibits the activity of fibroblasts (the source of connective tissue) and a by product, cortisone, has been used pharmaceutically as a result, in the treatment of fibrosis. These dense connective tissue deposits, often resulting from chronic strain or trauma, are broken down by the application of cortisone. Glucocorticoids in general (of which cortisol is one) directly inhibit growth hormone and have direct effects on the bone, inhibiting osteoblast activity and causing osteoporosis (6)

LONG TERM EFFECTS So as we can see, cortisol-based chemicals can have a profound effect on the connective tissues of our body. So what can we consider in looking at the long-term application of both

sportEX dynamics 2010;24(Apr):16-19

Immediate responses: n blood glucose n blood pressure n immune system n inhibits inflammation n dehydration

Long term effects: n weakens immune system n increases risk of osteoporosis n brain function and learning

Figure 1: The HPA axis and the effect of cortisol on the body

Release of CRF from hypothalamus is influenced by factors such as: n Stress n Blood levels of cortisol n Time of day – high 30-35 minutes after waking

n Caffeine n Sleep deprivation

pituitary hypothalamus

cortisol releasing factor

adrenal gland

cortisol