[Endocrine response to surgical stress]

Abstract

The similar response is elicited by different surgical stress for the maintenance of homeostasis. The afferent neurogenic stimuli initiate the endocrine response. The production of inflammatory cytokines also stimulates the neuroendocrine system. Activation of the sympathoadrenal, hypothalmo-pituitary-adrenal axis, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-axis results in increased serum concentrations of stress hormones. The endocrine alterations provide the optimal hemodynamic, metabolic and immunologic response. Such response to surgical stress is highly complex. However, a better understanding of the mechanisms may lead to improved strategies of the treatment for critical surgical illness. This article focuses on the mechanisms of the neuroendocrine system activation by surgical injury and the role of the response for maintaining homeostasis.