Cortisol is the principal glucocorticoid secreted by the interrenal tissue (steroidogenic cells) located in the head-kidney of teleost fish. This hormone is released by the activation of the hypothalamuspituitary-interrenal axis (HPI axis). When an organism undergoes stress conditions, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) toward blood circulation. This polypeptide further stimulates secretion of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary gland which finally activates the release of cortisol by the interrenal tissue. Cortisol activates glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis processes in fish; but also causes that chromaffin cells increase the release of catecholamines which further increase glycogenolysis and modulate cardiovascular and respiratory function. This whole process increases the substrate levels (glucose) to produce enough energy according with the demand.