Cortisol
Cortisol, also known as 11β,17α,21-Trihydroxypregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, is a steroid hormone primarily produced in the adrenal glands of most mammals, including humans.[1]
Cortisol affects nearly every organ due to the wide distribution of glucocorticoid receptors (GCRs), a binding site for cortisol. GCRs are expressed in most human cells, with high concentrations being distributed along the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis).[2]
Chemistry
Cortisol can structurally be classed as a steroid molecule.
The HPA axis
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) is a set of interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. The HPA axis is a neuroendocrine system, meaning it affects both hormone and neurotransmitter functions. The HPA axis is implicated in many bodily functions such as digestion, immune function, and mood.[3] The HPA axis, and cortisol in particular, are also thought to play a role in depression and other cognitive disorders.[4][5]
Synthesis and regulation of cortisol
In humans, cortisol is one of many corticosteroids produced by two adrenal glands; located just above each kidney.[6]
Involvement in stress and illness
See also
External links
References
- ↑ Stocco, Douglas M., Clark, Barbara J. (June 1996). "Regulation of the Acute Production of Steroids in Steroidogenic Cells". Endocrine Reviews. 17 (3): 221–224. doi:10.1210/edrv-17-3-221. ISSN 1945-7189.
- ↑ Kadmiel, M., Cidlowski, J. A. (14 August 2013). "Glucocorticoid receptor signaling in health and disease". Trends in Pharmacological Sciences: 518–530. doi:10.1016/j.tips.2013.07.003. PMC 3951203
. PMID 23953592. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
- ↑ Yoshinao, K., Baker, M. E. (2021). Handbook of Hormones (Second Edition). Academic Press. p. 947-949. ISBN 9780128206492.
- ↑ Joëls, M., Baram, T. (02 April 2009). "The neuro-symphony of stress". Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 10: 459–466. doi:10.1038/nrn2632. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ "Depression, Stress and the Adrenal axis". Journal of Neuroendocrinology. 15 (8): 811–812. 2003. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2826.2003.01058.x. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ↑ Holst, J. P., Soldin, O.P., Guo, T., Soldin, S. J. (24 March 2004). "Steroid hormones: Relevance and measurement in the clinical laboratory". Clinics in Laboratory Medicine. 24 (1): 105–118. doi:10.1016/j.cll.2004.01.004. ISSN 0272-2712.