Explain the Flow Phase of Stress Response?

This is a neuro-endocrine response to physiological stress following the ebb phase. This phase is characterized by:

• Normal or slightly elevated blood glucose level,
• Increased glucose production,
• Normal or slightly elevated free fatty acid levels, with flux increased, a normal or elevated insulin concentration,
• Normal or elevated levels of catecholamine and an elevated glucagon level, a normal blood lactate level,
• Elevated oxygen consumption,
• Increased cardiac output, and
• Elevated core temperature.

It is characterized by hyper metabolism/catabolism. Increased cardiac output, urinary nitrogen losses, oxygen consumption, body temperature and energy expenditure occurs during the flow phase. There are also profound hormonal changes. As a result, there is breakdown of body protein stores to provide glucose and hence a rapid loss of nitrogen in the urine. Blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract is of en reduced during this phase. This decreases, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the gastrointestinal tract. The secretion of mucus is decreased, whereas, gastric acid secretion is increased. This leads to wasting of the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract resulting in diarrhoea and bloating.