Primary response mechanisms of the adrenal cortex in dogs to pain stress]

The adrenal cortex of dogs shows a drop in the glucocorticoid content 10--15 sec after the pain action in the presence of the free cholesterol level increase and its esterified form drop. The concentrations of hormones in the blood falls chiefly at the expense of protein bound hydrocortisone. The subsequent phase of the reaction (after 30--60 sec) is characterized by a considerable accumulation of the hormones by the gland. The level of free glucocorticoids significantly increases, the initial ratio of hydrocortisone and cortisone restores, and transcortin depot is filled up. The role of the adrenal and transcortine depot in realization of feedback mechanisms under stress is discussed.