Adrenal Cortex
The adrenal cortex (bark) secrets many hormones, including cortisone,
dihydrocortisone and aldosterone. The cortical hormones are significant
in basic defenses of the body against various infections, poisons, and
other invasions or threats. They are also concerned with the regulation
of the supply of salt and water and the maintenance of correct blood pressure.
Injury or damage to the adrenal cortex, causes deficiency of its secretions,
produces a serious condition called Addison’s disease. The major
symptoms are those caused by loss of salt in the urine. Although the severity
varies, the disease is always serious. The adrenal glands are so vital
that death comes quickly if they are completely destroyed or removed.
Damage to the adrenal glands, whether by disease or injury produces major
bodily changes. Both salt and water are gradually lost and the total supply
of fluid circulating in the blood and within the cells themselves decline.
The first symptoms are feebleness of the muscles and bronzing of the of
the mucous membranes. As the quantity of fluid decreases, weight begins
to decline, blood pressure drops, vomiting occurs, and the flow urine
begins to diminish. A state of shock may ensure.
The development in 1927 of extract from adrenal cortex of cattle (bovine)
is one of the great recent medical achievements. Hundreds of lives which
would have been lost to Addison’s disease in the past are now saved.
Sometimes activity of the gland is impaired without being damaged entirely.
This condition usually is given treatment similar to that of Addison's
disease.
In chronic cases of Addison's disease, systematic therapy employing the
cortisone group of drugs has restored patients to a state of well-being
and normal living. Adrenal insufficiency to the point of crises must be
prevented, if possible. This requires careful management by the doctor,
and education of the patient as to the specific part he himself can play
in guarding against such crises.
References: Medical Health and Encyclopedia Volume I pages 44-45, 50-51.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food And Drug Administration.
**This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any
disease.
