[The functional organization of the adaptive and compensatory reactions of the endocrine glands]

Current concepts of the systemic organization and interrelationship between adaptive and compensatory responses of the endocrine glands and hormone-producing cells are reviewed. Emphasis is made on the involvement of prolactin, insulin endorphins and other neuropeptides into stress responses. A problem of the multihormonal control of physiological functions and role of blood protein carriers and hormonal cytoreceptors in pathogenesis of various diseases are discussed. Special attention is paid to the importance of endocrine function reserves testing for diagnosis of premorbid states and for estimation of human psychophysiological and physical potentials.