12/09/2025
Endocrine glands secrete stress hormones to modify one's internal environment during stress. By performing various functions such as mobilizing energy sources, increasing heart rate, and downregulating metabolic processes that are not immediately necessary, stress hormones promote the survival of the organism. The secretions of some hormones are also downplayed during stress. Stress hormones include, but are not limited to, cortisol, catecholamines such as adrenaline and norepinephrine, vasopressin, and growth hormone.
Stress hormones play a complex role in fighting diseases and infections, as they can have both positive and negative effects on the immune system. On one hand, stress hormones can enhance the immune response by stimulating the production of cytokines, which are molecules that regulate inflammation and immunity. Stress hormones can also increase the activity of natural killer cells and macrophages, which are immune cells that can destroy infected or abnormal cells. These effects can help the body fight off acute infections, such as influenza and SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, which are caused by viruses.
