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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

of steroid hormones, cathecholamines, interleukin, aldosterone release

College

Life Sciences

Department

Physiology and Developmental Biology

Abstract

The adrenal is an endocrine gland that is important for the release of steroid hormones and cathecholamines. The adrenal gland is closely associated with the immune system. This association is closely linked by the release of cytokines. Cytokines are a diverse group of proteins first isolated within the immune system but have now been identified in numerous tissues, including those of the endocrine system. The principle cytokines affecting the adrenal gland are interleukin-1 (IL-alpha and IL-beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). These cytokines can regulate adrenal function, particularly during increased stress and disease, and because they are produced in the adrenal gland, they may be paracrine/autocrine regulators of adrenal function. Modification of adrenal function plays a role in septic shock, lupus erythematosus, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, throidits, aging, and HIV infection.

Included in

Physiology Commons

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