Adrenal cortex secretes 3 types of corticoids – mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and sex corticoids.
I. Mineralocorticoids:
1. The mineralocorticoids regulate ionic and osmotic balance, by regulating the amounts of electrolyte and water.
2. Aldosterone is the main mineralocorticoid that acts on the renal tubules.
3. Aldosterone stimulates the re-absorption of Na+ and water and excretion of K and phosphate ions.
4. The aldosterone helps in the maintenance of electrolytes, body fluid volume, osmotic pressure and blood pressure.
II. Glucocorticoids:
1. Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid. Cortisol stimulates many metabolic reactions such as gluconeogenesis, lipolysis and proteinolysis.
2. It inhibits cellular uptake and utilization of amino acids.
3. Cortisol also plays an important role in maintaining the cardiovascular system and kidney functions.
4. It is also involved in anti-inflammatory reactions and suppresses the immune response.
5. Cortisol stimulates the RBC production.
III. Sex corticoids (Gonadocorticoids).
1. Sex corticoids, Androgens and estradiols are produced by the adrenal cortex.
2. In males, they have a role in development and maintenance of external sex characters.
3. Excess sex corticoids in female causes adrenal virilism and hirsutism (excess hair on face)
4. Excess sex corticoids in males causes gynaecomastia i.e. enlarged breast.
