Modelling fluctuation phenomena in the plasma cortisol secretion system in normal man

Biosystems. 1991;26(2):117-25. doi: 10.1016/0303-2647(91)90042-j.

Abstract

A system of three non-linear differential equations with exponential feedback terms is proposed to model the self-regulating cortisol secretion system and explain the fluctuation patterns observed in clinical data. It is shown that the model exhibits bifurcation and chaos patterns for a certain range of parametric values. This helps us to explain clinical observations and characterize different dynamic behaviors of the self-regulative system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / physiology*
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Hydrocortisone / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / metabolism*

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone