glucocorticoid

(noun)

any of a group of steroid hormones, produced by the adrenal cortex, that are involved in metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties

Related Terms

Examples of glucocorticoid in the following topics:

  • Adrenal Glands

    • The two major hormones produced are the mineralocorticoids and the glucocorticoids.
    • The glucocorticoids regulate increases in blood glucose and also reduce the body's inflammatory response.
    • The three main glucocorticoid hormones are cortisol, corticosterone, and cortisone.
    • The glucocorticoids stimulate the synthesis of glucose and gluconeogenesis (converting a non-carbohydrate to glucose) by liver cells.
    • Cortisol is one of the most active glucocorticoids.

  • Hormonal Regulation of Stress

    • The glucocorticoids mobilize lipid and protein reserves, stimulate gluconeogenesis, conserve glucose for use by neural tissue, and stimulate the conservation of salts and water.
    • There are two main corticosteroids: glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, and mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone.
    • The glucocorticoids primarily affect glucose metabolism by stimulating glucose synthesis.
    • Glucocorticoids also have anti-inflammatory properties through inhibition of the immune system.
    • Hypersecretion of glucocorticoids can cause a condition known as Cushing's disease, characterized by a shifting of fat storage areas of the body.