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International Conference on Mathematical Biology and

Annual Meeting of The Society for Mathematical Biology,

July 27-30, 2009

University of British Columbia, Vancouver

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Program

CTF1a
Matthias Conrad
Emory University
Title Homeostasis by interacting positive and negative feedback: insights from the in the HPA system
Abstract The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system is closely related to stress and the restoration of homeostasis. In this talk we derive and discuss a novel mathematical model for the HPA system. It is based on three simple rules which constitute a principle of homeostasis and include only substantial physiological elements. In contrast to other models, its main components include, apart from the conventional negative feedback ingredient, a positive feedback loop. To validate the model, we present a parameter estimation procedure which enables one to adapt the model to clinical observations. Furthermore the dynamics of the system is investigated. Finally, the computed parameters may be interpreted from a physiological point of view and thereby gaining connoting insights in diseases like depression, obesity, or diabetes.
LocationWoodward 1