

Its secretion is regulated by the hormone ACTH from the anterior pituitary. The primary glucocorticoid released by the adrenal gland is cortisol. Glucocorticoids: They are produced in the zona fasciculata.It increases water retention and blood volume.It increases interstitial levels of sodium ions.It increases urinary excretion of potassium ions.

Aldosterone affects metabolism in different ways: Aldosterone is secreted in response to high extracellular potassium levels, low extracellular sodium levels, and low fluid levels and blood volume. Its secretion is regulated by the oligopeptide angiotensin II ( angiotensin II is regulated by angiotensin I, which in turn is regulated by renin). The primary mineralocorticoid is aldosterone. Mineralocorticoids: They are produced in the zona glomerulosa.The adrenal cortex produces a number of different corticosteroid hormones: Progesterone -> (hydroxylation at C17)-> 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone ->(hydroxylation)-> Deoxycortisol ->(hydroxylation)-> Cortisol.


Pregnenolone can be either dehydrogenated to progesterone, or hydroxylated to 17-alpha-hydroxypregnenolone.Cholesterol is converted into pregnenolone by the enzyme CYP11A1 after transportation into the inner mitochondrial membrane by the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein ( STAR). Accordingly, production of hormones in all three layers of the adrenal cortex is limited by the transportation of cholesterol into the mitochondria and by its conversion into pregnenolone.All adrenocortical hormones are synthesised from cholesterol.Weak androgens (eg, dehydroepiandrosterone) The cortex can be divided into three distinct layers of tissue based on their organization.
