Noradrenergic innervation to the adrenal cortex is responsible for control of basal glucocorticoid secretion: a model.

It is generally assumed that adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) is responsible for the modulation of glucocorticoid secretion from the adrenal cortex. However, under resting or basal conditions, cortisol secretion in the human may be controlled by noradrenergic nerves which regulate adrenal responsivity to ACTH. This hypothesis explains a variety of descrepant observations and is supported by evidence from several biological disciplines. If confirmed, the implications of this model for our understanding of the principal 'stress' hormone would be profound.