Glucocorticoids

Definition

Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones that play a key role in regulating glucose metabolism, suppressing the immune response, and aiding in stress adaptation. They are produced in the adrenal cortex and have profound effects on various body functions including inflammation control and protein catabolism.

Related terms

Steroid hormones: Lipid-based hormones that pass through cell membranes to act directly on the genes of target cells.

Adrenal cortex: The outer portion of the adrenal gland responsible for producing corticosteroid hormones including glucocorticoids.

Inflammation: A biological response to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or damaged cells, involving immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators