Alterations in Hormone Production and Utilization During Infection
Abstract
The defensive responses of a human or animal host against infectious microorganisms are broad and complex, involving a large variety of physiological, biochemical, metabolic and hormonal activities. As host-initiated components in the pathogenic progression of an infectious disease, these responses develop and then disappear in a coordinated, relatively orderly sequential manner. Such responses typify quickly resolved acute infections and follow a stereotyped pattern despite the many different kinds of microorganisms that may cause such an illness. On the other hand, should an infection progress instead of subsiding, additional, more unique responses may emerge in conjunction with the development of chronicity, complications or terminal events. A central position in this broad array of host responses is filled by certain endocrine glands and their hormones. The endocrine aspects of the host response to infection are also complex, but coordinated. They include an important involvement of the anterior and posterior pituitary glands, the adrenal cortex, thyroid, endocrine pancreas, and sometimes the adrenal medulla. In contrast, neither parathyroid glands nor gonads have an immediate or recognized participatory role in dynamic hormonal responses during acute infections illness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA112033
Entities
People
- William R. Beisel
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases