A simplification and analysis of the HPA axis model

Abstract

The human stress response is controlled largely by the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Models predicting the levels of the hormones involved are very often not analytically solvable because of nonlinear complexity. A simplified HPA axis model with the minimum nonlinear terms including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is proposed. Quantitative analysis and numerical simulation related oscillating solutions are both investigated in this model.