ABERRANT ADRENAL FUNCTION

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Abstract
THERE are probably three general types of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex; 1) those controlling electrolyte metabolism (electrocortin or aldosterone), 2) the glucocorticoids (cortisone or hydrocortisone), and 3) the androgenic substances which are excreted as 17- ketosteroids. Normally, ACTH controls the rate of production of the glucocorticoids and the 17-ketosteroids but has little effect on the production of electrocortin. The glucocorticoids are produced quickly and profusely upon administration of ACTH, whereas the 17-ketosteroid response is slower and of smaller magnitude. Deviations from the normal are usually quantitative in nature. Some of the steroids may be produced in such grossly disproportionate amounts that metabolites, which usually appear only in traces, become the major excretory components. In the adrenogenital syndrome the androgenic substances are predominant, whereas in Cushing'ss disease the glucocorticoids are in excess.