In addition, in times of stress your pancreas is stimulated to release a hormone called glucagon. Glucocorticoids, glucagon, and the sympathetic nervous system raise circulating levels of the sugar glucose. As we will see, these hormones are essential for mobilizing energy during stress. Other hormones are activated as well. The pituitary secretes prolactin, which, among other effects, plays a role in suppressing reproduction during stress. Both the pituitary and the brain also secrete a class of endogenous morphine-like substances called endorphins and enkephalins, which help blunt pain
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