Adrenal Hormones Clinical Chemistry Review 112
HORMONE REGULATES COMMENTS
Adrenal cortex
Aldosterone
Cortisol
Adrenal medulla
Epinephrine, norepinephrine
(adrenaline, noradrenaline)
Reabsorption of Na+in renal
tubules
Carbohydrate, fat, & protein
metabolism. Water & electrolyte
balance. Suppresses inflamma-
tory & allergic reactions
“Fight or flight syndrome.”
Stimulation of sympathetic
nervous system
↑causes hypertension due to water & Na+retention. ↓leads to
severe water & electrolyte abnormalities.
Regulated by ACTH. Diurnal variation. Highest in am.
↑and loss of diurnal variation in Cushing’s syndrome, ↓in
Addison’s disease.
Epinephrine is primary hormone of adrenal medulla. Epinephrine &
norepinephrine = catecholamines. Metabolites are metanephrines &
VMA. ↑with pheochromocytoma (rare catecholamine producing
tumor). Tests: plasma & urine catecholamines & metanephrines,
urine VMA.
