In: Biology
What are glucocorticoids and what is their role? Is cortisol a glucocorticoid?
Glucocorticoids (GC) are small molecules with lipophilic nature that allows them to cross the blood brain barrier thereby accessing the brain structures. This is critical for them to execute many of their important functions. Cortisol is considered to be the main glucocorticoid in humans while as it is corticosterone in rodents. Corticosterone is also present in humans though in lesser blood concentrations (cortisol is about 10-20x higher). The actions GCs perform are of wide range. These encompass physiological as well as behavioral actions. Metabolic effects involve facilitating proper resource utilization by stimulating gluconeogenesis, glucose conservation, amino acid and lipid mobilization, salt balance regulation, optimizing cardiovascular function and suppressing immune responses. Behaviorally, GCs influence the learning and memory processes and varied emotional responses.
Glucocorticoids (GC) are small lipopilic molecules with many important functions - from physiological to behavioral . Cortisol is a glucocorticoid