1. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The first hormones produced by adrenaline glands are adrenaline and noradrenaline and these are secreted in stressful situations. Essentially adrenaline dilates blood vessels in certain parts of the body such as the skeletal muscles and increases the heart’s output. Noradrenaline constricts blood vessels but again only in certain areas, such as the gut, so the effects of the two hormones are synergistic in raising blood pressure. Adrenaline and noradrenaline promote the release of glucose from liver glycogen and reinforce the effects of the sympathetic system. Rarely found, but in excess, these hormones lead to abnormally high blood pressure.
Important Fact About Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
a. Epinephrine is an amine or catecholamine hormone. It is also called adrenaline.
b. Adrenaline is derived from the Adrenal gland, which means on top of the kidneys (renal). The Adrenal Medulla, the inner part of the Adrenal gland, produces epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (nor-adrenaline) hormones.
c. Epinephrine (Adrenaline) is an adrenergic hormone and is primarily produced by the postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers of the autonomic nervous system.
2. Cortical hormones
a. Mineralocorticoids
Mineralocorticoid is an adrenal cortex hormone that controls the level of minerals in the body. It produces corticosterone and aldosterone. Both these hormones are produced under the influence of ACTH. ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone ) is controlled by steroid levels in the blood and by direct nervous stimulation of the hypothalamus. As a result of stress cold, heat, pain fright, and infection.
These hormones are related to the distribution of water in tissues and the balance of electrolytes in the body.
These hormones maintain the ionic balance of chloride, potassium, sodium ions, and water in the blood and extracellular fluid.
b. Glucocorticoids
The adrenal cortex is active at all times, especially in shock or stress situations and infections. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid and brings about an increase in blood glucose levels mainly by its production from protein and by antagonizing the action of insulin.
Corticosterone produces both the hormones of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid; it also increases blood glucose levels and regulates mineral ion balance in the blood.
3. ANDROGEN HORMONE
Androgen is any natural or synthetic steroid hormone that regulates the development and maintenance of male characteristics in vertebrates.
Androgens cause development of the secondary male characteristics. Very small amounts of androgens are secreted in both male and female by adrenal glands. A tumor on the inner part of the adrenal cortex in a female can cause excess of androgens to be produced and thus the development of certain male characteristics. Such cases are very rare. If androgen hormone is produced in access in females, some of the outcomes of this situation is that the female will have more hair on face and chest.
