Hormonal response in sepsis

This article describes some of the alterations that occur in the neuroendocrine system during sepsis. With a goal of better management of the patient with sepsis, an overview of the endocrine system, its hormones, and its close relationship to the nervous system is presented. The importance of hormone target cell receptor coupling, specific mechanisms of action that result in physiological changes, and regulation of hormone secretion are detailed. The roles and effects of catecholamines, glucagon, cortisol, and growth hormone are explored. Sick euthyroid syndrome, alterations in ADH, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis, and PTH secretion are also examined.