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Cortisol
Systematic (IUPAC) name
11,17,21-trihydroxy-,(11beta)-
pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione
Identifiers
CAS number 50-23-7
ATC code H02AB09 (and others)
PubChem 5754
Chemical data
Formula C21H30O5 
Mol. mass 362. IUPAC Nomenclature is a system of naming Chemical compounds and of describing the science of Chemistry in general CAS registry numbers are unique numerical identifiers for Chemical compounds Polymers biological sequences mixtures and Alloys They are also referred to The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System is used for the classification of drugs It is controlled by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug A section of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. PubChem is a Database of chemical Molecules The system is maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI a component A chemical formula is a way of expressing information about the Atoms that constitute a particular Chemical compound, and how the relationship between those atoms changes Carbon (kɑɹbən is a Chemical element with the symbol C and its Atomic number is 6 Hydrogen (ˈhaɪdrədʒən is the Chemical element with Atomic number 1 Oxygen (from the Greek roots ὀξύς (oxys (acid literally "sharp" from the taste of acids and -γενής (-genēs (producer literally begetteris the The molecular mass (abbreviated m of a substance, more commonly referred to as molecular weight and abbreviated as MW, is the Mass of one 465
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability  ?
Metabolism  ?
Half life  ?
Excretion  ?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.

C
Legal status
Routes Oral tablets, intravenously, topical

Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the Zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex (in the adrenal gland). In Pharmacology, bioavailability is used to describe the fraction of an administered Dose of unchanged drug that reaches the Systemic circulation, one of Drug metabolism is the Metabolism of drugs, their Biochemical modification or degradation usually through specialized enzymatic systems The biological half-life of a substance is the time it takes for a substance (drug radioactive nuclide or other to lose half of its pharmacologic physiologic or radiologic activity Excretion is the process of eliminating waste products of Metabolism and other non-useful materials The pregnancy category of a pharmaceutical agent is an assessment of the risk of fetal injury due to the pharmaceutical if it is used as directed by the mother during The regulation of therapeutic goods, that is drugs and therapeutic devices, varies by jurisdiction In Pharmacology and Toxicology, a route Corticosteroids are a class of Steroid hormones that are produced in the Adrenal cortex. Hormones (from Greek ὁρμή - "impetus" are chemicals released by cells that affect cells in other parts of the body Cells of the zona fasciculata sit directly beneath the Zona glomerulosa and are organized in bundles (or Fascicles) Situated along the perimeter of the Adrenal gland, the adrenal cortex mediates the stress response through the production of Mineralocorticoids and Glucocorticoids It is a vital hormone that is often referred to as the "stress hormone" as it is involved in the response to stress. It increases blood pressure, blood sugar levels and has an immunosuppressive action. Blood pressure is also the title of a short story by Damon Runyan in Guys and Dolls and Other Stories Blood sugar, used in a physiological context is a misnomer and misleading Immunosuppression involves an act that reduces the activation or Efficacy of the Immune system. In pharmacology, the synthetic form of cortisol is referred to as hydrocortisone, and is used as an antagonist in the treatment of allergies and inflammation as well as substitute supplementation in cortisol production deficiencies. Pharmacology (from Greek grc φάρμακον pharmakon, "drug" and grc -λογία -logia) is the study of how Drugs Allergy is a disorder of the Immune system often also referred to as Atopy. Inflammation ( Latin, inflamatio, to set on fire is the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli such as Pathogens When first introduced as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, it was referred to as Compound E. Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder that causes the Immune system to attack the Joints, where

Contents

Physiology

The amount of cortisol present in the blood undergoes diurnal variation, with the highest levels present in the early morning, and the lowest levels present around midnight, 3-5 hours after the onset of sleep. Blood is a specialized Bodily fluid that delivers necessary substances to the body's cells such as nutrients and oxygen—and transports Waste products A day (symbol d is a unit of Time equivalent to 24 Hours and the duration of a single Rotation of planet Earth with respect to the Sleep is a Natural state of bodily rest observed throughout the animal kingdom Information about the light/dark cycle is transmitted from the retina to the paired suprachiasmatic nuclei in the hypothalamus. The vertebrate retina is a light sensitive part inside the inner layer of the Eye. The suprachiasmatic nucleus ( SCN) is a bilateral region of the brain located in the Hypothalamus, that is responsible for controlling endogenous Circadian rhythms The hypothalamus links the Nervous system to the Endocrine system via the Pituitary gland (hypophysis The pattern is not present at birth (estimates of when it starts vary from two weeks to 9 months). [1]

Changed patterns of serum cortisol levels have been observed in connection with abnormal ACTH levels, clinical depression, psychological stress, and such physiological stressors as hypoglycemia, illness, fever, trauma, surgery, fear, pain, physical exertion or extremes of temperature. Adrenocorticotropic hormone ( ACTH or corticotropin) is a Polypeptide Hormone produced and secreted by the Pituitary gland Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression, unipolar depression, unipolar disorder, clinical depression, or simply depression Hypoglycemia or hypoglycaemia is the medical term for a pathologic state produced by a lower than normal level of Glucose ( sugar) in the blood Fever (also known as pyrexia, from the Greek pyretos meaning fire or a febrile response, from the Latin word Febris Surgery (from the χειρουργική cheirourgikē, via chirurgiae meaning "hand work" is a medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental Fear is an Emotional response to Threats and Danger. It is a basic survival mechanism occurring in response to a specific Stimulus, such as Pain, in the sense of physical pain, is a typical sensory experience that may be described as the unpleasant awareness of a noxious stimulus or bodily harm Temperature is a physical property of a system that underlies the common notions of hot and cold something that is hotter generally has the greater temperature

There is also significant individual variation, although a given person tends to have consistent rhythms.

Effects

See also Medical uses and effects of high dose glucocorticoids

In normal release, cortisol (like other glucocorticoid agents) has widespread actions which help restore homeostasis after stress. Glucocorticoids (GC are a class of Steroid hormones characterised by an ability to bind with the glucocorticoid receptor ( GR) and trigger similar effects Glucocorticoids (GC are a class of Steroid hormones characterised by an ability to bind with the glucocorticoid receptor ( GR) and trigger similar effects Homeostasis (from Greek: ὅμος hómos, "equal" and ιστημι istēmi, "to stand" lit (These normal endogenous functions are the basis for the physiological consequences of chronic stress - prolonged cortisol secretion. The word endogenous means "arising from within" the opposite of Exogenous. ). It has been proposed that its primary function is to inversely mobilize the immune system to fight potassium-depleting diarrhea diseases. [2] Its odd attributes all support this.

Insulin
Cortisol counteracts insulin by increasing glycogenolysis (breaking down glycogen) and promotes breakdown of lipids (lipolysis), and proteins, and mobilization of extrahepatic amino acids and ketone bodies. Insulin is a Hormone with intensive effects on both metabolism and several other body systems (eg vascular compliance Glycogenolysis (also known as "Glycogenlysis" is the Catabolism of Glycogen by removal of a Glucose monomer through cleavage with inorganic Glycogen is a Polysaccharide of Glucose (Glc which functions as the secondary short term energy storage in Animal cells Lipids are broadly defined as any fat- Soluble ( lipophilic) naturally-occurring Molecule, such as fats oils waxes cholesterol sterols fat-soluble Lipolysis is the breakdown of fat stored in fat cells During this process Free fatty acids are released into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body Proteins are large Organic compounds made of Amino acids arranged in a linear chain and joined together by Peptide bonds between the Carboxyl This leads to increased circulating glucose concentrations (in the blood) by increasing gluconeogenesis. Glucose (Glc a Monosaccharide (or simple Sugar) also known as grape sugar, is an important Carbohydrate in Biology. There is an increased glycogen breakdown in the liver. Glycogen is a Polysaccharide of Glucose (Glc which functions as the secondary short term energy storage in Animal cells The liver is a vital organ in the human body and is present in Vertebrates and some other animals [3] Prolonged cortisol secretion causes hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia, hyperglycaemia, or high blood sugar is a condition in which an excessive amount of Glucose circulates in the Blood plasma Cortisol has no effect on insulin. [4] The reason why in vivo experiments seem to deny this is that cortisone greatly inhibits insulin. So the cortisone-cortisol equilibrium may explain why in vivo experiments contradict the cortisol effect. [5] Cortisol does cause serum glucose to rise, but this is probably an indirect effect caused by stimulation of amino acid degradation, especially that derived from collagen in the skin. Loss of collagen from skin by cortisol is ten times greater than from all other tissue in the rat. [6]
Amino acids
Cortisol raises the free amino acids in the serum. It does this by inhibiting collagen formation, decreasing amino acid uptake by muscle, and inhibiting protein synthesis. [7] Cortisol (as opticortinol) probably inversely inhibits IgA precursor cells in the intestines of calves. Immunoglobulin A ( IgA) is an Antibody playing a critical role in mucosal immunity [8] Cortisol also inhibits IgA in serum, as it does IgM, but not IgE. Immunoglobulin M, or IgM for short is a basic Antibody that is present on B cells It is the primary antibody against A and B In Biology, Immunoglobulin E ( IgE) is a class of Antibody (or Immunoglobulin " Isotype " that has only been found in [9]
Gastric secretion
Cortisol stimulates gastric acid secretion. [10] Gastric acid secretion would increase loss of potassium into the stomach during diarrhea as well as acid loss. Cortisol's only direct effect on the hydrogen ion excretion of the kidneys is to stimulate excretion of ammonium ion by inactivation of renal glutaminase enzyme. [11] Net chloride secretion in the intestines is inversely decreased by cortisol in vitro (methylprednisolone). Methylprednisolone is a synthetic Glucocorticoid drug It is sold in the USA and Canada under the brand names Medrol and Solu-Medrol [12]
Sodium
Cortisol inhibits loss of sodium from small intestines of mammals. [13] However, sodium depletion does not affect cortisol,[14] so cortisol is not used to regulate serum sodium. Cortisol's purpose may originally have been centered around moving sodium because cortisol is used to stimulate sodium inward for fresh water fish and outward for salt-water fish. [15]
Potassium
Sodium load augments the intense potassium excretion by cortisol, and corticosterone is comparable to cortisol in this case. Corticosterone is a 21 carbon Steroid hormone of the Corticosteroid type produced in the cortex of the Adrenal glands Functions In many [16] In order for potassium to move out of the cell, cortisol moves in an equal number of sodium ions. [17] It can be seen that this should make pH regulation much easier, unlike the normal potassium deficiency situation in which about 2 sodium ions move in for each 3 potassium ions that move out, which is closer to the deoxycorticosterone effect. pH is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a Solution. Deoxycorticosterone (DOC is a Steroid hormone produced by the Adrenal gland that possess Mineralocorticoid activity and acts as a precursor Nevertheless, cortisol consistently causes alkalosis of the serum, while in a deficiency pH does not change. Alkalosis refers to a condition reducing Hydrogen ion concentration of arterial Blood plasma ( alkalemia) Perhaps this may be for the purpose of bringing serum pH to a value most optimum for some of the immune enzymes during infection in those times when cortisol declines. Potassium is also blocked from loss in the kidneys directly somewhat by decline of cortisol (9 alpha fluorohydrocortisone). [18]
Water
Cortisol also acts as a water diuretic hormone. A diuretic is any Drug that elevates the rate of urination ( Diuresis) Half the intestinal diuresis is so controlled. [19] Kidney diuresis is also controlled by cortisol in dogs. The decline in water excretion upon decline of cortisol (dexamethasone) in dogs is probably due to inverse stimulation of antidiuretic hormone (ADH or arginine vasopressin), the inverse stimulation of which is not overridden by water loading. Arginine vasopressin ( AVP) also known as vasopressin, argipressin or antidiuretic hormone ( ADH) is a Hormone found in Arginine vasopressin ( AVP) also known as vasopressin, argipressin or antidiuretic hormone ( ADH) is a Hormone found in [20] Humans also use this mechanism[21] and other different animal mechanisms operate in the same direction.
Copper
It is probable that increasing copper availability for immune purposes is the reason why many copper enzymes are stimulated to an extent which is often 50% of their total potential by cortisol. [22] This includes lysyl oxidase, an enzyme which is used to cross link collagen and elastin. Elastin is a Protein in Connective tissue that is elastic and allows many tissues in the body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting [23] Particularly valuable for immunity is the stimulation of superoxide dismutase by cortisol[24] since this copper enzyme is almost certainly used by the body to permit superoxide to poison bacteria. Cortisol causes an inverse four- or fivefold decrease of metallothionein, a copper storage protein, in mice[25] (however rodents do not synthesize cortisol themselves). Metallothionein (MT is a family of Cysteine -rich low molecular weight (MW ranging from 3500 to 14000 Da) Proteins MTs have the capacity to This may be to furnish more copper for ceruloplasmin synthesis or release of free copper. Cortisol has an opposite effect on alpha aminoisobuteric acid than on the other amino acids. [26] If alpha aminoisobuteric acid is used to transport copper through the cell wall, this anomaly would possibly be explained.
Immune system
Cortisol can weaken the activity of the immune system. An immune system is a collection of mechanisms within an Organism that protects against Disease by identifying and killing Pathogens and Tumor Cortisol prevents proliferation of T-cells by rendering the interleukin-2 producer T-cells unresponsive to interleukin-1 (IL-1), and unable to produce the T-cell growth factor. Interleukin-2 ( IL-2) is an Interleukin, a type of Cytokine Immune system signaling molecule that is instrumental in the body's natural response T cells belong to a group of White blood cells known as Lymphocytes, and play a central role in Cell-mediated immunity. Interleukin-1 (IL-1 is one of the first Cytokines ever described [27] Cortisol has a negative feedback effect on interleukin-1[28] which must be especially useful in combating diseases, such as the endotoxin bacteria, that gain an advantage by forcing the hypothalamus to secrete a hormone called CRH. Endotoxins (not to be confused with Enterotoxin) are potentially toxic, natural compounds found inside Pathogens such as Bacteria. The hypothalamus links the Nervous system to the Endocrine system via the Pituitary gland (hypophysis Corticotropin-releasing hormone ( CRH) originally named corticotropin-releasing factor ( CRF) and also called corticoliberin, is a Polypeptide The suppressor cells are not affected by GRMF,[29] so that the effective set point for the immune cells may be even higher than the set point for physiological processes. It reflects leukocyte redistribution to lymph nodes, bone marrow, and skin. Bone marrow is the flexible tissue found in the hollow interior of Bones In adults marrow in large bones produces new Blood cells It constitutes 4% of The skin is the outer covering of living tissue of an animal (or plant Acute administration of corticosterone (the endogenous Type I and Type II receptor agonist), or RU28362 (a specific Type II receptor agonist), to adrenalectomized animals induced changes in leukocyte distribution. Corticosterone is a 21 carbon Steroid hormone of the Corticosteroid type produced in the cortex of the Adrenal glands Functions In many RU28362 is a molecule which binds the Glucocorticoid receptor (Corticoid Type II Receptor but not the Mineralocorticoid receptor (Corticoid Type I Receptor Natural killer cells are not affected by cortisol. [30]
Bone metabolism
It lowers bone formation thus favoring development of osteoporosis in the long term. Bones are rigid organs that form part of the Endoskeleton of Vertebrates They function to move support and protect the various organs of the body produce Cortisol moves potassium out of cells in exchange for an equal number of sodium ions as mentioned above. Potassium (pəˈtæsiəm is a Chemical element. It has the symbol K (kalium from qalīy Atomic number 19 and Atomic mass 39 Sodium (ˈsoʊdiəm is an element which has the symbol Na( Latin natrium, from Arabic natrun) atomic number 11 atomic mass 22 [31] This can cause a major problem with the hyperkalemia of metabolic shock from surgery. Hyperkalemia ( AE) or Hyperkalaemia ( BE) is an elevated blood level of the Electrolyte Potassium.
Memory
It cooperates with epinephrine (adrenaline) to create memories of short-term emotional events; this is the proposed mechanism for storage of flash bulb memories, and may originate as a means to remember what to avoid in the future. In Psychology, memory is an organism's ability to store retain and subsequently retrieve information A flashbulb memory is a memory that was laid down in great detail during a personally significant event often a shocking event of national or international importance However, long-term exposure to cortisol results in damage to cells in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a part of the Forebrain, located in the medial Temporal lobe. This damage results in impaired learning. The desirability of inhibiting activity during infection is no doubt the reason why cortisol is responsible for creating euphoria. [32] The desirability of not disturbing tissues weakened by infection or of not cutting off their blood supply could explain the inhibition of pain widely observed for cortisol.
Additional effects

Binding

Most serum cortisol, all but about 4%, is bound to proteins including corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG), and serum albumin. Transcortin, also corticosteroid-binding globulin or CBG, is officially called serpin peptidase inhibitor clade A (alpha-1 antiproteinase antitrypsin member Serum albumin, often referred to simply as albumin, is the most abundant Plasma protein in humans and other Mammals Albumin is essential for maintaining Only free cortisol is available to most receptors.

Regulation

The primary control of cortisol is the pituitary gland peptide, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is an Endocrine gland about the size of a Pea. Adrenocorticotropic hormone ( ACTH or corticotropin) is a Polypeptide Hormone produced and secreted by the Pituitary gland ACTH probably controls cortisol by controlling movement of calcium into the cortisol secreting target cells. [33]. ACTH is in turn controlled by the hypothalamic peptide, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), which is under nervous control. Corticotropin-releasing hormone ( CRH) originally named corticotropin-releasing factor ( CRF) and also called corticoliberin, is a Polypeptide CRH acts synergistically with arginine vasopressin, angiotensin II, and epinephrine [34]. Arginine vasopressin ( AVP) also known as vasopressin, argipressin or antidiuretic hormone ( ADH) is a Hormone found in Angiotensin causes blood vessels to constrict and drives blood pressure up When activated macrophages start to secrete interleukin-1 (IL-1), which synergistically with CRH increases ACTH, [35] T-cells also secrete glucosteroid response modifying factor (GRMF or GAF) as well as IL-1, both of which increase the amount of cortisol required to inhibit almost all the immune cells [36]. Interleukin-1 (IL-1 is one of the first Cytokines ever described T cells belong to a group of White blood cells known as Lymphocytes, and play a central role in Cell-mediated immunity. Thus immune cells take over their own regulation, but at a higher cortisol set point. Even so, the rise of cortisol in diarrheic calves is minimal over healthy calves and drops below with time. [37] The cells do not lose all of the fight or flight override because of interleukin-1's synergism with CRH. Cortisol even has a negative feedback effect on interleukin-1 [38] which must be especially useful against those diseases which gain an advantage by forcing the hypothalamus to secrete too much CRH, such as the endotoxin bacteria. The hypothalamus links the Nervous system to the Endocrine system via the Pituitary gland (hypophysis Endotoxins (not to be confused with Enterotoxin) are potentially toxic, natural compounds found inside Pathogens such as Bacteria. . The suppressor immune cells are not affected by GRMF, [39] so that the effective set point for the immune cells may be even higher than the set point for physiological processes. GRMF (called GAF in this reference) primarily affects the liver rather than the kidneys for some physiological processes [40].

A high potassium media, which stimulates aldosterone secretion in vitro, also stimulates cortisol secretion from the fasciculata zone of dog adrenals [41] unlike corticosterone, upon which potassium has no affect [42]. Corticosterone is a 21 carbon Steroid hormone of the Corticosteroid type produced in the cortex of the Adrenal glands Functions In many Potassium loading increases ACTH and cortisol in people also [43]. This is no doubt the reason why a potassium deficiency causes cortisol to decline (as just mentioned) and why a potassium deficiency causes a decrease in conversion of 11deoxycortisol to cortisol [44]. This probably contributes to the pain in rheumatoid arthritis since cell potassium is always low in that disease [45]

Diseases and disorders

The relationship between cortisol and ACTH is as follows:

THE DISORDERS OF CORTISOL SECRETION
Plasma Cortisol Plasma ACTH
Primary Hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome) ↑ ↓
Secondary Hypercortisolism (pituitary or ectopic tumor, Cushing's disease) ↑ ↑
Primary Hypocortisolism (Addison's disease) ↓ ↑
Secondary Hypocortisolism (pituitary tumor) ↓ ↓

Pharmacology

Hydrocortisone is the chemical form of cortisol used for oral administration or intravenous injection. Addison's disease (also known as chronic Adrenal insufficiency, '''hypocortisolism''' or '''hypocorticism) is a rare Endocrine disorder It is used as an immunosuppressive drug, given by injection in the treatment of severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis and angioedema, in place of prednisolone in patients who need steroid treatment but cannot take oral medication, and peri-operatively in patients on long-term steroid treatment to prevent an Addisonian crisis. For a list of immunosuppressive drugs see the Transplant rejection page. Anaphylaxis is an acute systemic (multi-system and severe Type I Hypersensitivity allergic reaction in humans and other Mammals Angioedema ( BE: angiooedema) also known by its Eponym Quincke's edema, is the rapid swelling ( Edema) of the Dermis Prednisolone is the active metabolite of Prednisone. Uses It is a Corticosteroid drug with predominantly Glucocorticoid and low Mineralocorticoid Addison's disease (also known as chronic Adrenal insufficiency, '''hypocortisolism''' or '''hypocorticism) is a rare Endocrine disorder

It may be used topically for allergic rashes, eczema, psoriasis and certain other inflammatory skin conditions. Eczema (from Greek έκζεμα) is a form of Dermatitis, or Inflammation of the Epidermis. Psoriasis (səˈraɪəsɪs ( suh-RI-uh-sus) is a non-contagious disorder which affects the Skin and Joints It commonly causes red scaly It may also be injected into inflamed joints resulting from diseases such as gout. Gout (also called metabolic arthritis) is a disease created by a buildup of Uric acid.

Compared to prednisolone, hydrocortisone is about 1/4 the strength for the anti-inflammatory effect, while Dexamethasone is about 40 times as strong as hydrocortisone. Prednisolone is the active metabolite of Prednisone. Uses It is a Corticosteroid drug with predominantly Glucocorticoid and low Mineralocorticoid Anti-inflammatory refers to the property of a substance or treatment that reduces Inflammation. Dexamethasone is a potent synthetic member of the glucocorticoid class of Steroid Hormones It acts as an Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant For side effects, see corticosteroid and prednisolone. Corticosteroids are a class of Steroid hormones that are produced in the Adrenal cortex. Prednisolone is the active metabolite of Prednisone. Uses It is a Corticosteroid drug with predominantly Glucocorticoid and low Mineralocorticoid

Hydrocortisone creams and ointments are available without prescription in strengths ranging from 0. 5% to 2. 5%, depending on local regulations, with stronger forms available with prescriptions only.

Advertising for the dietary supplement CortiSlim originally (and falsely) claimed that it contributed to weight loss by blocking cortisol. CortiSlim is a weight loss system marketed by Window Rock Enterprises The manufacturer was fined $1. 2 million by the Federal Trade Commission in 2007 for false advertising, and no longer claims in their marketing that CortiSlim is a cortisol antagonist. The Federal Trade Commission ( FTC) is an independent agency of the United States government, established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act False advertising is the use of false or misleading statements in Advertising. A receptor antagonist is a type of receptor ligand or Drug that does not provoke a biological response itself upon binding to a receptor, but blocks

Biochemistry

Biosynthesis

Steroidogenesis, showing cortisol at right.
Steroidogenesis, showing cortisol at right. Steroid metabolism is the complete set of Chemical reactions in organisms that produce modify and consume Steroids These Metabolic pathways include

Cortisol is synthesized from cholesterol. Cholesterol is a Lipid found in the Cell membranes and transported in the Blood plasma of all Animals It is an essential component of mammalian The synthesis takes place in the zona fasciculata of the cortex of the adrenal glands. Cells of the zona fasciculata sit directly beneath the Zona glomerulosa and are organized in bundles (or Fascicles) Situated along the perimeter of the Adrenal gland, the adrenal cortex mediates the stress response through the production of Mineralocorticoids and Glucocorticoids (The name cortisol comes from cortex. ) While the adrenal cortex also produces aldosterone (in the zona glomerulosa) and some sex hormones (in the zona reticularis), cortisol is its main secretion. Aldosterone is a hormone that causes the tubules of the kidneys to retain sodium and water Sex steroids, also known as gonadal steroids, are Steroid hormones that interact with Vertebrate Androgen or Estrogen receptors The medulla of the adrenal gland lies under the cortex and mainly secretes the catecholamines, adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) under sympathetic stimulation (more epinephrine is produced than norepinephrine, in a ratio 4:1).

The synthesis of cortisol in the adrenal gland is stimulated by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH); production of ACTH is in turn stimulated by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), released by the hypothalamus. The anterior pituitary (also called the adenohypophysis, from Greek adeno, "gland" hypo, "under" physis, "growth" The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is an Endocrine gland about the size of a Pea. Adrenocorticotropic hormone ( ACTH or corticotropin) is a Polypeptide Hormone produced and secreted by the Pituitary gland Corticotropin-releasing hormone ( CRH) originally named corticotropin-releasing factor ( CRF) and also called corticoliberin, is a Polypeptide The hypothalamus links the Nervous system to the Endocrine system via the Pituitary gland (hypophysis ACTH increases the concentration of cholesterol in the inner mitochondrial membrane (via regulation of STAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory) protein). The cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone, catalysed by Cytochrome P450SCC (side chain cleavage).

Metabolism

Cortisol is metabolized by the 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase system (11-beta HSD), which consists of two enzymes: 11-beta HSD1 and 11-beta HSD2.

Overall the net effect is that 11-beta HSD1 serves to increase the local concentrations of biologically active cortisol in a given tissue, while 11-beta HSD2 serves to decrease the local concentrations of biologically active cortisol. The CA3 area of hippocampus (memory) is affected by cortisol. The hippocampus is a part of the Forebrain, located in the medial Temporal lobe.

An alteration in 11-beta HSD1 has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance, sometimes referred to the metabolic syndrome. The term pathogenesis means step by step development of a disease due to a series of changes in the structure and /or function of a cell/tissue/organ being caused by a microbial, chemical or physical Obesity is a condition in which excess Body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, HTN or HPN, is a medical condition in which the Blood pressure is chronically elevated Insulin resistance is the condition in which normal amounts of Insulin are inadequate to produce a normal Insulin response from Fat, Muscle Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders that increase the risk of developing Cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

An alteration in 11-beta HSD2 has been implicated in essential hypertension and is known to lead to the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (SAME). Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, HTN or HPN, is a medical condition in which the Blood pressure is chronically elevated

See also

Additional images

11-Deoxycortisol

References

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External links

Dictionary

cortisol

-noun

  1. (biochemistry, steroids) The steroid hormone hydrocortisone.
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