The primary role of the endocrine system is the maintenance of normal physiologic functioning of many organ systems of the body.<sup>31 Rescini E., Catassia A., Giustina G. Plasma cortisol response to ACTH does not accurately indicate the state of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis J Endocrinol Invest 1982 ;  5 : 259-261

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> The endocrine response to many forms of stress, including surgery, is complicated and comprehensive in scope. The adrenal cortex plays a crucial role in the endocrine response to major stress. Cortisol, the primary glucocorticoid secreted from the human adrenal gland, has long been recognized as a requirement for survival in critical illness.<sup>21 Munck A., Guyne P.M., Holbrook N.J. Physiological functions of glucocorticoids in stress and their relation to pharmacological actions Endocr Rev 1984 ;  5 : 25-44  [cross-ref]

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 31 Rescini E., Catassia A., Giustina G. Plasma cortisol response to ACTH does not accurately indicate the state of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis J Endocrinol Invest 1982 ;  5 : 259-261

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup>