Addison Disease (cont.)
What is cortisol?
The hormone cortisol is normally produced by the adrenal glands. The
adrenals are located just above the kidneys. Cortisol belongs to a class
of hormones called glucocorticoids, which affect the normal function of
almost every organ and tissue in the body. Cortisol's most important
job is to help the body respond to stress. Among its other vital tasks,
cortisol:
- helps maintain blood pressure and heart function;
- helps slow the immune system's inflammation response;
- helps balance the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for
energy; and
- helps regulate the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
How is cortisol regulated?
Because cortisol is so vital to health, the amount of cortisol produced
by the adrenals is precisely balanced. Like many other hormones, cortisol
is regulated by control centers in the brain (hypothalamus and the
pituitary gland, a bean-sized organ at the base of the brain).
First, the hypothalamus sends "releasing hormones" to the
pituitary gland. The pituitary gland responds by secreting other hormones
that regulate growth, thyroid and adrenal function, and sex hormones such
as estrogen and testosterone.
One of the pituitary's main functions is to secrete ACTH
(adrenocorticotropin), a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands. When
the adrenal glands receive the pituitary's ACTH signal, they respond
by producing cortisol. Completing a "feedback" system, cortisol
then signals the pituitary to lower secretion of ACTH.
What is aldosterone?
Aldosterone belongs to a class of hormones called mineralocorticoids,
also produced by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone helps maintain blood
pressure and water and salt balance in the body by helping the kidney
retain sodium and excrete potassium. When aldosterone production falls too
low, the kidneys are not able to regulate salt and water balance, causing
blood volume and blood pressure to drop.
Next: What causes Addison disease? >>
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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- Antinuclear Antibody Test - Read about antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), unusual antibodies that can bind to certain structures within the nucleus of the cells, are found in patients whose immune system may be predisposed to cause inflammation against their own body tissues. ANAs are indicative of the potential presence of an autoimmune illness. Source:MedicineNet
- Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension) is blood pressure below normal. Low blood pressure symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause. Source:MedicineNet
- Hyperkalemia - Hyperkalemia is too much potassium in the blood. It can be caused by a variety of factors. Source:MedicineNet
- Read 30 more Addison Disease related articles ...
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Last Editorial Review: 4/3/2002
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