About the Book
Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Pages: 39. Chapters: Glucocorticoids, Mineralocorticoids, Corticosteroid, Cortisol, Aldosterone, Dexamethasone, Topical steroid, Prednisone, Clobetasol propionate, Cortisone, Proctosedyl, Prednisolone, Budesonide, Mometasone furoate, Glucocorticoid responsive element, Ciclesonide, Beclometasone dipropionate, Triamcinolone, Methylprednisolone, Fluticasone propionate, Fludrocortisone, Fluocinonide, Corticosterone, Tobramycin/dexamethasone, Clobetasone, Desoximetasone, Cortivazol, Steroid atrophy, Fluocinolone acetonide, Alclometasone, Fluorometholone, Prednylidene, Amcinonide, Loteprednol, Flunisolide, Rimexolone, Cloprednol, Fluocortolone, Ulobetasol, Paramethasone, Deflazacort, Fludroxycortide, Fluticasone furoate, Prednicarbate, Diflorasone, Meprednisone, Betamethasone dipropionate, Flumetasone, Fluocortin, 18-Hydroxycorticosterone, Fluperolone acetate, Halcinonide, Tixocortol pivalate, Prostaglandin antagonist, Formocortal, Fluprednidene acetate, Hydrocortisone buteprate, Halometasone, Cortisporin, Hydrocortisone aceponate, Pregnadiene, Hydroxycorticosteroids, Diflucortolone valerate, Hydrocortisone butyrate, Pregnene, Otobiotic, Pregnenedione, Pregnatriene. Excerpt: Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is a steroid hormone, or glucocorticoid, produced by the adrenal gland. It is released in response to stress and a low level of blood glucocorticoids. Its primary functions are to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis; suppress the immune system; and aid in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. It also decreases bone formation. During pregnancy, increased production of cortisol between weeks 30-32 initiates production of fetal lung surfactant to promote maturation of the lungs. Various synthetic forms of cortisol are used to treat a variety of diseases. Cortisol is produced by the adrenal gland in the zona fasciculata, the second of th...
