THE EFFECT OF N-STEAROYLETHANOLAMINE ON THE STRESS HORMONES LEVELS IN OLD RATS WITH INDUCED CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

Abstract

Numerous studies aimed at elucidating the evolutionary acquisition of the endocannabinoid system gradually expand our understanding of the development and functioning of living organisms. It is now well-known the indispensable role of endocannabinoids in higher nervous activity and other signaling high-activity compounds. Among the representatives of this system are saturated long-chain N-acyl ethanolamines, including N-stearoylethanolamine. Previous studies have illuminated a range of important functional features of NSE on various biochemical processes, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antidyslipidemic properties. Aim. Considering the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in neurotransmission processes and the influence of NAE on steroidogenesis, hypotheses have been formed and, accordingly, the goal of determining the involvement of NSE as an adaptogen of the sympathoadrenal and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal systems, including its influence on their functional state in rats during aging under conditions of low-grade chronic inflammatory processes. Methods. To achieve this goal, an experimental group of animals with "pathological" aging was formed, to which NSE was administered for some time. At the end of the experiment, blood plasma was collected from the animals, and the concentration of circulating adrenaline, corticosterone, and adrenocorticotropic hormones was analyzed using immunoassay and spectrophotometric methods. Results. During the analysis of the obtained results, geroprotective properties of NSE were identified, which likely result from an indirect pathway of its influence on humoral regulation systems. Conclusions. Analysis of the obtained results suggests that saturated N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), including NSE, may act as direct modulators of endocannabinoid system activity or indirect regulators by regulating steroidogenesis, integrating into the system of humoral regulation.

Keywords

• stress hormones
• endocannabinoids
• aging
• inflammation
• hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.