Allostasis is a biological process by which an organism achieves stability through adaptive change in response to environmental and internal demands, primarily via integrated neural, endocrine, autonomic, and immune mechanisms. Unlike homeostasis, which emphasizes maintaining constancy of specific variables, allostasis involves predictive and dynamic adjustment of set points and physiological responses based on context and anticipated needs. Key mediators include glucocorticoids, catecholamines, and inflammatory cytokines, which coordinate energy allocation, cardiovascular function, metabolism, and behavior. While acutely protective and essential for survival, dysregulated or chronic allostatic activation contributes to allostatic load, promoting pathophysiological changes and increasing disease vulnerability.
In a small study, dogs experienced both stabilization and destabilization of their balance upon hearing angry or happy human voices, but angry voices were linked to the biggest destabilizing effects. Nadja Affenzeller and ...
Plants & Animals
Jan 28, 2026
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78
University of Queensland researchers say the discovery of a new stress reduction role for a naturally occurring molecule in the body could lead to new drugs and treatment for metabolic disorders and aging.
Cell & Microbiology
Jan 22, 2026
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141
Just like with people, when pets experience chronic stress it can raise cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure; weaken the immune system; and even cause fluctuations in weight—all of which increase a pet's risk of ...
Plants & Animals
Jan 15, 2026
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30
Research led by Dr. Kirsty Macleod from Bangor University's School of Environmental and Natural Sciences found that lizards whose mothers experienced stress during pregnancy grew more slowly and behaved differently.
Plants & Animals
Sep 16, 2025
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21
