Adrenocortical hormones

The adrenal glands lie on top of the kidneys. The adrenal medulla produces catecholamines and the adrenal cortex produces three types of steroid hormone (mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), glucocorticoids (cortisol) and androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA)). All are synthesized from cholesterol. Cortisol secretion is controlled by adrenocorticotrophic hormone from the pituitary. It rises in response to stress and is essential for life. It stimulates gluconeogenesis, breaking down lean tissue, and is anti-inflammatory. Aldosterone secretion is controlled by angiotensin II and extracellular potassium concentrations, so is influenced by renal perfusion. It provides the fine tuning for sodium and potassium, and thus water, balance via its action on the distal renal tubule. DHEA is a weak androgen. In the male it is unimportant; in the female DHEA produced by the adrenal gland accounts for most of the androgen in the blood.