Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal cortex that are involved in many physiological systems such as the stress response, immune response, regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, electrolyte levels, and behavior. Corticosteroids are produced in three zones of the adrenal cortex - the zona fasciculata, zona glomerulosa, and zona reticularis - and include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens such as deoxycorticosterone acetate, fludrocortisone, and aldosterone. Corticosteroids act by binding to receptors in cell membranes and forming complexes that enter the nucleus and affect

2. • Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are
produced in the adrenal cortex.
• Corticosteroids are involved in a wide range of physiologic
system such as
 Stress response
 Immune response
 Regulation of inflammation
 Carbohydrate metabolism
 Protein catabolism
 Blood electrolytes level, and
 behaviour

6. Adrenal Gland
Medulla Cortex
Epinephrine Z. fasciculata
Z.glomerulosa Z.reticularis
Glucocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids Androgens

7. Deoxycorticosterone Acetate (DOCA)
Fludrocortisone
Aldosterone

10. cell membrane
Nucleus
Cytoplasmic
Receptor
Protein
Binding with
DNA
Transcription
of m-RNA
Corticosteroids
Steroid –
Receptor
Complex
New
Protein
Synthesis

11. Stress
Neural Input
Hypothalamus
Anterior Pituitary
Corticotropes
CRH release
CRH Synthesis

12. ACTH release
Adrenal Cortex
Glucocorticoids
Mineralocorticoids
Androgens