Hormones Secreted by Adrenal Cortex: The Key to Body Homeostasis

The adrenal cortex, a vital component of the endocrine system, plays a crucial role in maintaining body homeostasis. Hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex work in tandem with other systems to ensure that the body's physiological processes remain stable and responsive to stress.

The main function of these hormones is to maintain and restore basal and stress-related body homeostasis. This is achieved through the activation of the stress system, comprising the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic-adrenal medullary system. As a result, glucocorticoids (GCs) and catecholamines (CAs) are synthesized and released from the adrenal cortex and medulla, respectively.

The unique capacity of higher vertebrates to react and adapt to various physical and emotional threats is mediated by a coordinated action of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, collectively known as the stress system. In order to survive, all living organisms must maintain a steady state of homeostasis, which relies on their ability to respond and adapt to various stimuli.

Recent studies have shed light on the adrenal gland microenvironment and its role in coordinating stress-induced hormone secretion. Dysregulation of any cell or cellular compartment involved in this process can ultimately affect the adrenal stress response. Reduced GC metabolism and activation of intra-adrenal cellular systems, comprising adrenocortical and adrenomedullary cells, endothelial cells, and resident and recruited immune cells, play a key role in this process.

Interestingly, levels of GCs remain normal or are elevated in some patients, suggesting a shift from central to local intra-adrenal regulation of adrenal stress response. In critical ill patients, levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone and adrenocorticotropin, the two major regulators of adrenal hormone production, are often suppressed.

Sepsis resulting from microbial infections is an extreme example of a sustained stress situation. During stress, the adrenal gland rapidly responds with increased secretion of GCs and CAs into circulation, which hormones affect metabolism to provide acutely needed energy, vasculature to increase blood pressure, and the immune system to prevent excessive activation.

In conclusion, hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex are crucial for maintaining body homeostasis. The defense against stress is executed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic-adrenal medullary system. Survival of all living organisms depends on the ability to react and adapt to various physical and emotional threats, making hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex essential components of this process.

References

1. 'Department of Internal Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany'

2. 'Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, King's College London, London, UK'

Hormones secreted by adrenal cortex