Glucocorticoids

A class of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex and involved in immune regulation and glucose metabolism by acting through glucocorticoid receptors. An example is cortisol, produced by the zona fasiculata in the adrenal cortex, which regulates blood sugar through gluconeogenesis, suppresses the immune system, and aids in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Synthetic form is manufactured and used to replace physiologic deficits, such as in adrenal insufficiencies, produce therapeutic immunosuppression, and as anti-inflammatory modulators.