Control loop and release control | Addison’s disease

Control loop and release control

The release of the adrenal cortex hormones takes place through a control loop with negative feedback. In the process, a substance called ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) is produced in the brain (more precisely the pituitary gland). This substance reaches the adrenal cortex via the bloodstream and causes the hormones to be released.

The release of ACTH from the pituitary gland is in turn regulated by a substance called CRH (corticotropin releasing hormone). CRH is also produced in the brain (hypothalamus). It is released in episodes.

Glucocorticoids reach a maximum between 6 and 9 a.m. and a minimum around midnight. Stress causes an increase in glucocorticoid levels. The control of mineral corticoids is subject to the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System).

If the functional disorder affects the adrenal glands themselves, this is called primary. The secondary form concerns the ACTH secretion, the tertiary form the CTH secretion.

All articles in this series:

  1. Addison’s disease
  2. Symptoms
  3. Diagnosis
  4. Therapy
  5. Addison crisis
  6. Tertiary adrenal cortex insufficiency
  7. Control loop and release control