3. Cortisol
:
Is a steroid hormone which is secreted from the
adrenal cortex of adrenal gland , and regulate the
metabolism of carbohydrates ,proteins and lipids
and has many other functions in the body .
4. Action of cortisol (glucocorticoids):
1- metabolic effect :
Carbohydrates metabolism
Stimulation of
gluconeogenesis
Anti-insulin effect
Activation of glucose
6-phosphate
A
7. Action of cortisol (glucocorticoids):
2- water and electrolytes balance :
a) Diuretic action: Glucocorticoids increase the excretion of
water in urine by :
- Inhibiting secretion of ADH.
- Increasing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- Decreasing the permeability of distal renal tubules to water.
b) Electrolyte metabolism:
Glucocorticoids have a weak mineralocorticoid activity.
In water :
8. Action of cortisol (glucocorticoids):
• Decrease lymphocyte, eosinophil and basophil count.
• Increase neutrophil, R.B.Cs and platelet count.
• Decrease the output of T-lymphocytes and antibodies.
Decrease the size of lymph nodes and spleen.
3-Blood cells and lymphatic
tissues
9. Action of cortisol (glucocorticoids):
• 4- Anti-inflammatory effect:
• Glucocorticoids in large doses inhibit inflammatory
reactions because they:
(a) Inhibiting release of the lysosomal enzymes
(b) Formation of leukotriene and interleukins
(c) Decreasing the capillary permeability
10. Action of cortisol (glucocorticoids):
5- Anti-allergic effect:
• Glucocorticoids in large doses suppress all manifestations
of allergy by preventing release of histamine from the mast
cells.
11. Action of cortisol (glucocorticoids):
Through:
• a -Increasing the response to catecholamine.
• b- Extra hepatic mobilization of A.As and their
uptake by the liver cells for synthesis of essential
substance.
• c- Mobilization of fatty acids as a source for energy
during emergency.
• d- Inhibiting the formation of prostacyclin.
6- resistance to stress :
12. Action of cortisol (glucocorticoids):
7- Permissive action :
– Glucagon hormone to produce gluconeogenesis.
– Catecholamine to produce their V.C, lipolytic, calorigenic and
bronchodilator.
13. Action of cortisol (glucocorticoids):
8- Effect on the respiratory system:
During fetal life, the glucocorticoids accelerate the
formation of surfactant in the lungs.
9-Effect on other hormones:
Glucocorticoids decrease the secretion of growth
hormone and TSH.
14. Action of cortisol (glucocorticoids):
10-Other action of glucocorticoids:
• a) Increase appetite.
• b) Stimulate gastric HCl and pepsin
secretion.
• c) Increase excitability of brain cells.
