Effect of acute and prolonged mineralocorticoid receptor blockade on spontaneous and stimulated hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in humans

Abstract

MR blockade by acute CAN administration significantly enhances the HPA activity in the afternoon, during the quiescent phase of the circadian rhythm. At the same period, prolonged treatment with CAN amplifies both spontaneous and CRH-stimulated activities of the HPA axis, while it blunts the HPA responsiveness to a further MR-mediated stimulation.