Darwin's Trigger

Darwin's Trigger


It was Charles Darwin who observed that an animal's reproductive rate was directly correlated to the decimation of its young. In other words, the greater the number of threats to an animal's young, the more prolific its reproduction.

From this observation, one possible inference would be that reproduction is a relative function of stress. It seems reasonable enough. Stress, in this sense, can be thought of as a primary indicator of longevity: The greater the stress, in other words, the shorter the life. In order to ensure survival, some mechanism of linkage between stress and reproduction would seem a reasonable precaution, and thus, Darwin's observation may be a crucial clue to that link.

As it turns out, stress and reproduction have more than a casual social link. There is a chemical link as well. Sex hormones, such as estriol and estrone (estrogens) and testosterone, and so-called stress hormones, like corticosterone and cortisol, are structurally closely related, and only a few enzymatic steps apart. The relationship is so close, that the elevation or decrease in one can result in the elevation or decrease in another, or any of their various intermediates.

One of the effects of cortisol in humans is the stimulation of a cycle known as gluconeogenesis. Instead of digesting sugar, the cell instead begins to manufacture it's own sugar by digesting itself, using stored energy and carbon dioxide. If there is already a sufficient supply of sugar, the cell would instead divert this manufactured sugar into glycogen, ribose 5 phosphate and purine synthesis (a type of DNA).


So cortisol can stimulate DNA production, certainly a key step in the reproductive process.

In addition, elevated cortisol levels would mean decreased enzymatic conversion of cortisol precursors, which would be diverted down other connected paths. One of those paths includes the production pathway for testosterone and estrogen, certainly key elements in sexual desire and reproduction.

Copyright 2007 by Patrick J. O'Brien

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Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Tags: darwin , stress , purines , glycogen , reproduction

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