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flight” response discussed above. The production of either epinephrine (adrenaline) or norepinephrine speeds up the pulse, raises the blood pressure, dilates the pupils, and produces sweating. This is the hormone, that in an emergency, enables a ninety pound mother to lift an automobile off the ground, when it rolls over on her three year old. It also helps hikers to run away from bears, whether real or imaginary. The adrenal cortex is much more complex, producing three distinct types of hormones. The stimulation of ACTH from the pituitary gland enhances the adrenal’ s production of cortisone. This hormone, widely known for its relief of arthritic pains, is considered a normal stress hormone. It stabilizes the blood pressure, increases our resistance to infection, and aids in growth and maturation. Excessive function of the adrenal cortex results in the Cushing‘s syndrome, mentioned above. Second, the adrenal cortex secretes a hormone called aldosterone. In contrast to cortisone (a glucocorticoid), this hormone functions to safeguard minerals (thus termed a mineralocorticoid). It primarily conserves sodium, which is retained as urine flows through the kidney. With retention of sodium comes fluid retention (edema). Occasionally an adrenal-cortical tumor will develop, that secretes excessive amounts of this hormone. Aldosterone produces not only fluid retention, but high blood pressure as well. For its size, the adrenal receives the richest supply of blood of all the organs. It is essential for having vigorous health. In fact, our survival is unlikely without at least one functioning adrenal gland. Pancreatic Islets Microscopic sized islands of specialized tissue in the pancreas were discovered by Langerhans, while a medical student in Vienna over a century ago. These specialized glands, called Islets of Langerhans, contain unique cells that secrete two hormones. The alpha cells produce a secretion called glucagon, which raises the blood sugar, by mobilizing it from liver glycogen (animal starch). The beta cells are producers of insulin. This fascinating hormone was isolated by Doctors Banting and Best in Montreal during the early 1920’s. The fortunate discovery of insulin has lengthened the lives and productivity of millions of diabetics, who otherwise would have died early, or at best been unable to have families. Insulin is a protein-like hormone (actually a chain of amino acids) whose primary function is the constant regulation of blood sugar. When a person eats a meal containing carbohydrates the elevation of blood sugar (or glucose) is modified by the influence of insulin. This helps all sugars to pass from the blood into our tissues. It “knocks” on the cell membrane for entrance, expecting its welcome admission into our cells. There it is processed, and