The adrenal glands are responsible for the secretion (in fasciculate and reticulate zones of the medulloadrenal) of steroidal hormones called glucocorticoids.
Glucocorticoids are molecules that perform many actions in the body. Synthetic molecules that are much more active than natural hormones are widely used in human and veterinarian medicine.
Their most important properties are: a powerful anti-inflammatory action, allergy-fighting action, ability to maintain central venous pressure, shock absorber role, ability to decrease peripheral use of glucose (insulin resistance) and the ability to transform excess glucose into lipids and to redistribute fat masses.
The secretion of glucocorticoids is regulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus produces a hormone called CRH, which stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release a hormone called ACTH. The ACTH then stimulates the adrenal glands to produce glucocorticoids. Furthermore, over stimulation of the adrenal glands by ACTH results in hypertrophy of the adrenal glands.
In addition to glucocorticoids, the adrenal glands (glomerural zone) produce another hormone called aldosterone. Aldosterone plays an important role in kidney functions. It stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb water and sodium and potassium ions and thereby contributes to maintaining the animal's hydration level.
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