Define the Regulation of Glucocorticoid Secretion
Glucocorticoid secretion is mainly controlled by ACTH or adrenocorticotropic hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. In any stress, ACTH secretion increases. It stimulates glucocorticoids. ACTH secretion is controlled by CRF or Corticotropin Releasing Factor from the hypothalamus. When the concentration of glucocorticoids is very high, the feedback mechanism automatically reduces ACTH towards a normal level. Glucocorticoids also directly inhibit the formation of CRF. During extreme stressful states, increased production of glucocorticoids cope with the enhanced energy/nutrition requirements of the cells and tissues. Minute stress is essential for the normal gearing up of the body tissues. Too much of stress will exhaust the adrenals to cause crisis.