Doctor, Your patient is Alex J, a 45-year-old male from the Midwest. It is February. He has the following symptoms: weakness, fatigue, hypotension, weight loss, dehydration, and decreased cold tolerance. He has also noticed an increased pigmentation (tanning) of both exposed and nonexposed portions of the body and back. The doctor performed a plasma cortisol determination test.
His blood chemistry values follow:
Serum sodium 128 mEq/Lv
Serum potassium 6.3 mEq/L
Fasting blood glucose 65 mg/dL
BUN 4.5 mg/dL
Serum creatinine 0.5 mg/dL

Hematology tests resulted in the following values:
Hematocrit 50%
Leukocytes 5000/cu mm
A plasma cortisol determination indicated a low cortisol level. Following administration of ACTH, plasma cortisol did not rise significantly after sixty and ninety minutes. Endogenous circulating levels of ACTH were later determined to be significantly elevated.

1. What endocrine organ is the site of the malfunction?
2. What is the name of this disorder? Use all available information to support your diagnosis.
3. Discuss the electrolyte disturbances resulting from this disorder. elaborate
4. Discuss the metabolic disturbances resulting from this disorder. elaborate
5. What is the cause of the tanning?