Adrenal in Toxicology: Target Organ and Modulator of Toxicity

The adrenal gland is vitally important to health and secretes hormones that control many bodily processes ranging from normal metabolism to the response to stressful circumstances. The corticosteroid hormones are the basis for anti-inflammatory medicines and are very widely prescribed. Changes in the function of the adrenal gland, either naturally through stress or disease, or through the action of drugs and chemicals, can have a major impact on the body.; This text focuses on adrenal toxicity, examining how drugs and chemicals can directly and indirectly affect this gland. Coverage includes: classification of the types of adrenal and endocrine toxicity; the mechanistic and molecular basis of toxicity; reasons why the adrenal is the most common target organ in the endocrine system; drug toxicity specific to patients with adrenal disorders; drug- corticosteroid interactions; adverse drug reactions; and how the adrenal gland is vital in tolerance to toxic insult.