what does cortisol do to neurons
Rats who have high levels of cortisol and chronic stress had fewer neurons overall but a big increase in oligodendrocytes. By blocking the equivalent of cortisol receptors, the researchers discovered the process was tied to the stress hormone.âThis was absolutely not what we were expecting to find,â Kaufer said.he gray matter of the brain is densely packed with nerve cell bodies and is responsible for the brain's higher functions, such as thinking, computing, and decision-making. But gray matter is only half of the brain matter inside our headsâthe other half of brain volume is called white matter.