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An adrenocortical homologue exists in all vertebrate groups (Lofts & Bern, 1972), and produces a similar, if not always identical, spectrum of corticosteroids. These hormones impinge upon many aspects of metabolism, with those that act predominantly upon body fluid and electrolyte metabolism being termed “mineralo—corticoids” in contrast to the “glucocorticoids” which affect protein and intermediary metabolism. This allotment of function is not, however, rigorous for vertebrates as a whole (Chester Jones, Bellamy,Chan,Follett Henderson, Philips & Snart, 1972).