THE FUNCTIONAL INTERRELATIONSHIP OF THE ANTERIOR PITUITARY AND THE ADRENAL CORTEX

Abstract

Evidence is reviewed to support the hypothesis that the response of the anterior pituitary-adrenal cortex axis during stress plays a homeostatic role and does not represent the exciting cause for many of the metabolic responses to stress. The hormones of the adrenal cortex are essential for the full-blown manifestation of some metabolic responses to stress. As a corollary, it is suggested that the apparent relationship of adrenal cortical function to the manifestation of certain diseases is based upon a role of essentiality for the cortical hormones, rather than representing primary causative agents. This is discussed briefly in relationship to Selye''s concept of the "adaptation diseases.".