ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to guide the psychobiology researcher on appropriate approaches and methodologies for using salivary hormone measures for meaningful investigation of a virtually limitless range of potential research questions. Cortisol and dehydoepiandrosterone (DHEA) are steroid hormones indicative of activity in the hypothalamic–pitutary–adrenal (HPA) axis. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is a major neuroendocrine system; one of the pathways by which the brain can exert control over aspects of internal physiological activity. The circadian pattern of DHEA secretion is broadly comparable to cortisol in being highest in the morning, with decreasing levels during the day and night. Differences in circadian function and/or stress reactivity can be detected prior to clinical manifestation of symptoms. Noradrenergic neurones stimulate pinealocytes in the pineal to secrete the hormone, which has high lipid and water solubility, facilitating passage across cell membranes and access to body fluids, including saliva.
