Assaying Stress Related Hormones to Study Emotions
Disciplines
Clinical and Medical Social Work | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Cognitive Science | Other Mental and Social Health | Psychology | Social Work | Substance Abuse and Addiction
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The Affective Neuroscience lab investigates the biological factors that are associated with elevated PTSD vulnerability. Using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), we assay saliva samples to quantify the amount of hormonal biomarkers. ELISA assay plates are covered in antigen coating that binds antibodies on the protein in question, Cortisol. The assay process involves several steps such as pipetting the saliva sample into the coated 96-well plate, adding buffers and protein conjugates, and incubating to allow for competitive binding to occur. There are several equipment that make it facile to run these assays such as the BioTek plate washer, BioTek plate reader, and the multichannel pipettes. The data from the assay is then used to understand the proportionality of stress hormones to behavioral and psychological responses. DHEA-S, or dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, and cortisol are both steroid hormones that have been found to have a solid connection to psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, and fear. Cortisol present in the body is regulated by the HPA-axis and released by the adrenal cortex in response to a stress cue from the environment.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
RCHSS - Psychological Science
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Sharon Pearcey
Additional Faculty
Doreen Wagner, WCHHS Nursing, Dwagne12@kennesaw.edu
Assaying Stress Related Hormones to Study Emotions
The Affective Neuroscience lab investigates the biological factors that are associated with elevated PTSD vulnerability. Using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), we assay saliva samples to quantify the amount of hormonal biomarkers. ELISA assay plates are covered in antigen coating that binds antibodies on the protein in question, Cortisol. The assay process involves several steps such as pipetting the saliva sample into the coated 96-well plate, adding buffers and protein conjugates, and incubating to allow for competitive binding to occur. There are several equipment that make it facile to run these assays such as the BioTek plate washer, BioTek plate reader, and the multichannel pipettes. The data from the assay is then used to understand the proportionality of stress hormones to behavioral and psychological responses. DHEA-S, or dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, and cortisol are both steroid hormones that have been found to have a solid connection to psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, and fear. Cortisol present in the body is regulated by the HPA-axis and released by the adrenal cortex in response to a stress cue from the environment.