Abstract
THE reactions of the mammalian organisms to external stimuli are affected, according to Hess1, by a subcortical system co-ordinating visceral, somatic and psychic functions. This system consists of two separate and antagonistic divisions: ergotrophic and trophotrophic. The former produces a generalized increase in sympathetic activity with increased skeletal muscle tone, arousal and increased response to external stimuli. This is contrasted with the trophotrophic system which serves a recuperative and protective role and is characterized by an increase in parasympathetic activity, decreased muscle tone, sleep and decreased response to external stimuli. Brodie2 has cited evidence that norepinephrine and serotonin may qualify as neurohormones for the two divisions respectively and claims that further evidence for norepinephrine as the ergotrophic hormone is that dopa (ammo-acid precursor of norepinephrine) induces typical ergotrophic effects. It is felt by Brodie and associates that many of the lipid soluble congeners of norepinephrine easily penetrate the blood-brain barrier to stimulate the central adrenergic receptors of Hess.
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References
Hess, W. R., Diencephalon: Autonomic and Extrapyramidal Functions (Grune and Stratton, 1954).
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Chrusiel, T. L., Awakening Action of Derivatives of Phenylalanine in Adrenergic Mechanisms, 440, edit. by Vane, J. R., et al. (Churchill Ltd., London, 1960).
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CLADEL, C., CHO, M. & MCDONALD, R. Effect of Amphetamine and Catecholamines on Startle Response and General Motor Activity of Albino Rats. Nature 210, 864–865 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1038/210864a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/210864a0
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