Adrenal cortical activity in the tropics

Evidence is presented from both the literature and personal observation supporting the thesis that adrenal cortical activity in the tropics is `abnormal' by existing standards. The current programme, designed to investigate the influence of the dominant variables (racial factors and environmental conditions), is outlined, with discussion of some preliminary trends (AU)

Size of the adrenals in Jamaicans

The adrenal glands in Jamaicans are smaller than in Europeans. this reduction in size is probably due to a reduced cortical mass. It is suggested that this reduced cortical mass is concerned in the poor response to shock reported in Jamaicans and others of African descent. It may also play some part in the different pattern of disease encountered in Jamaica.(AU)