The Adrenal Cortex Function and Diseases

The adrenal of the newborn is relatively large. At birth it weighs one-third of the total weight of the kidney, but the gland involutes very quickly during the first year. The involution mainly results from the disappearance of a fraction of the cortex adjacent to the medulla. 

Histochemical techniques have been used to identify the adrenal hormones. Such investigations include the use of lipid staining for cholesterol and neutral fat, and staining of aldehyde groups with SchifPs sulfur 

In contrast, the secretion of glucocorticoid hormone probably occurs in the fascicularis and is under the direct influence of ACTH. The reticularis secretes sex 

The effect of hypophysectomy on the adrenal cortex has provided an important argument in favor of the pluralist theory. Hypophysectomy does not cause death, probably because this intervention does not alter aldosterone secretion. Yet, the metabolism of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates is considerably modified in hypophysectomized animals. Such modification indicates that glucocorticoid secretion is affected by hypophysectomy. Histological examination of adrenals of hypophysectomized animals reveals that the median and internal parts of the cortex are atrophied, while the glomerulosa remains intact or may even be hypertrophied. In contrast, the injection of hypophyseal extract causes hypertrophy of the fasci-cularis. 

These war efforts led to the discovery of two major groups of corticoid hormones, the glucocorticoid and the mineralocorticoid hormones. The most active glucocorticoids are cortisone and cortisol. Both these hormones have anti-insulin effects but are without marked effect on sodium retention. Quite to the contrary, they may stimulate sodium and chloride excretion. Aldosterone has only mild corticoid effects, but it has a marked ability to influence the kidney to retain sodium. 17a-Hydroxy deoxycorticosterone, 19-hy- 

---