[Cortisol as a marker of stress].

The role of cortisol (Crt), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S) in stress responses were shown. The fluctuations in concentration of Crt, DHEA and DHEA-S depending on age, sex and time of the day in norm and under acute and chronic stress were quoted. The main techniques of assessment of serum, urine and saliva Crt concentrations were discussed. A special attention had been paid to the use of Crt concentration in anthropological and psychological research. Bibliography comprises 181 works.