<Ul> <Li> It stimulates the release of amino acids from the body </Li> <Li> It stimulates lipolysis, the breakdown of fat </Li> <Li> It stimulates gluconeogenesis, the production of glucose from newly released amino acids and lipids </Li> <Li> It increases blood glucose levels in response to stress, by inhibiting glucose uptake into muscle and fat cells </Li> <Li> It strengthens cardiac muscle contractions </Li> <Li> It increases water retention </Li> <Li> It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects </Li> </Ul> <Li> It stimulates the release of amino acids from the body </Li> <Li> It stimulates lipolysis, the breakdown of fat </Li> <Li> It stimulates gluconeogenesis, the production of glucose from newly released amino acids and lipids </Li>

Two examples of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex are