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Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands01:17

Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
08:02

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids

Published on: April 25, 2016

Adrenal insufficiency.

Roberto Salvatori1

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md 21287, USA. salvator@jhmi.edu

JAMA
|November 17, 2005
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This case study highlights secondary adrenal insufficiency (AI), a condition where the pituitary gland fails to produce enough adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). Early diagnosis and tailored hydrocortisone therapy are crucial for managing this challenging endocrine disorder.

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Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions

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Last Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
08:02

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Published on: April 25, 2016

A Novel Method: Super-selective Adrenal Venous Sampling
06:08

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Published on: September 15, 2017

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
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Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions

Published on: March 12, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroendocrinology

Background:

  • Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a complex endocrine disorder with distinct primary and secondary forms.
  • Secondary AI results from insufficient adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) production by the pituitary gland, impacting cortisol levels.

Observation:

  • A 44-year-old woman presented with fatigue, weight loss, nausea, and joint pain, suggestive of AI.
  • Abnormal serum cortisol post-ACTH stimulation and normal plasma ACTH levels indicated secondary AI.
  • Brain MRI revealed a partially empty sella, a common finding in secondary AI.

Findings:

  • The patient's symptoms resolved with hydrocortisone treatment, confirming the diagnosis of secondary AI.
  • Careful titration of hydrocortisone dosage was necessary to avoid excessive treatment.
  • The case underscores the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic nuances of secondary AI.

Implications:

  • Accurate differentiation between primary and secondary AI is essential for appropriate management.
  • Personalized hydrocortisone therapy is critical for optimizing patient outcomes in secondary AI.
  • Partially empty sella can be associated with pituitary hormone deficiencies, including ACTH deficiency.