


The pituitary is injured and cannot release ACTH (hypopituitarism).The adrenal gland is damaged due to, for example, Addison disease or other adrenal gland disease, or surgery.This is a hormone that causes the adrenal glands to release cortisol.Īdrenaline production is regulated by nerves coming from the brain and spinal cord and by circulating hormones.Īdrenal crisis can occur from any of the following: The pituitary releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This is a small gland just underneath the brain.

Both cortisol and adrenaline are released in response to stress.Ĭortisol production is regulated by the pituitary. The inner portion, called the medulla, produces the hormone adrenaline (also called epinephrine). This is an important hormone for controlling blood pressure. The outer portion, called the cortex, produces cortisol. The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys.
