Question

Which of the following strategies would be most likely to prevent the harmful effects of stress without producing harmful side effects?

1) a drug that damages the PVN
2) a drug that increases the release of CRH
3) a drug that partially antagonizes the release of glucocorticoids
4) a drug that inactivates the parasympathetic nervous system
5) a drug that is a potent antagonist of glucocorticoid receptors

Answer 1

OPTION 3.

The most likely strategy to prevent the harmful effects of stress without harmful side effects would be a drug that partially antagonizes the release of glucocorticoids. This approach balances the need for some stress hormone activity without the overstimulation that can lead to adverse health effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

To prevent the harmful effects of stress without producing harmful side effects, the strategy most likely to be beneficial would be a drug that partially antagonizes the release of glucocorticoids. This would involve moderating the body’s stress response, reducing the level of circulating glucocorticoids while maintaining some level of stress hormone activity, which is essential for a healthy stress response. Drugs that damage the PVN or inactivate the parasympathetic nervous system could have significant and harmful side effects due to their critical roles in regulating stress responses and maintaining homeostasis, respectively. A drug that increases the release of CRH would exacerbate the stress response, and a potent antagonist of glucocorticoid receptors could suppress the stress response too much, potentially leading to other health issues. Therefore, a drug that aims for a balanced modulation of the stress response would be most beneficial.

Answer 2

The most appropriate strategy is a drug that partially antagonizes the release of glucocorticoids, balancing the need to manage stress effects with the preservation of glucocorticoids' vital functions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The strategy most likely to prevent the harmful effects of stress without producing harmful side effects would be 'a drug that partially antagonizes the release of glucocorticoids'. Glucocorticoids like cortisol are released in response to stress and have both vital and potentially deleterious effects on the body.

If released in excess over long periods, cortisol can weaken the immune system and contribute to various negative health outcomes. A drug that partially antagonizes the release of glucocorticoids could theoretically mitigate the stress-related increase in glucocorticoids without complete inhibition, thereby reducing potential side effects associated with full antagonism of glucocorticoid receptors or severe disruption of normal glucocorticoid functions.

Options involving damage to the PVN or inactivation of the parasympathetic nervous system can have broad and severe side effects due to the important roles these systems play in the body. A drug that increases the release of CRH would likely exacerbate stress responses.

An option that involves potent antagonism of glucocorticoid receptors, although it might initially seem beneficial, could result in significant disruption of the body's ability to manage inflammation and other vital processes.