Adrenin is a substance secreted into the blood by the
adrenal glands. These are among the ductless glands, the functions of which, both in physiology and in connection with the emotions, have only come to be known during recent years.
Cortisol is released by the
adrenal glands, the small, peanut-shaped glands located just above the kidneys.
In its simplest description, Addison's is a decreased production of the hormones normally produced by the
adrenal glands. It is not as common as Cushing's (see "Canine Cushing's Disease," November 2018), but it can be more acutely serious.
The
adrenal glands look like small hats sitting atop the kidneys.
However, all other endocrine organs can experience levels of limited function so it is contradictory that the
adrenal glands cannot.
This can be explained by the high incidence of adenomas and the high tendency of
adrenal glands to metastases (6).
In the normal dog, cortisol is produced by the
adrenal glands, (which are located just in front of the kidneys).
It is suggested in the lay press that the
adrenal glands in these people function below the normal threshold, with the result that individuals feel tired and stressed.
The symptoms you see are the result of overproduction of Cortisol from the
adrenal glands and include:
Pheochromocytomas are rare tumours of the
adrenal glands which secreate hormones including stress hormones called epinephrines and norepinephrines.
The
adrenal glands are paired bodies lying cranial to the kidneys within the retroperitoneal space.