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Corticosteroid

Cortisol3.svg
 
Cortisol (hydrocortisone), a corticosteroid with both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity and effects.
Class identifiers
SynonymsCorticoid
UseVarious
ATC codeH02
Biological targetGlucocorticoid receptor, Mineralocorticoid receptor
Chemical classSteroids

Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex of vertebrates, as well as the synthetic analogues of these hormones. Two main classes of corticosteroids, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including stress response, immune response, and regulation of inflammation, carbohydrate metabolism, protein catabolism, blood electrolyte levels, and behavior.

Some common naturally occurring steroid hormones are cortisol (C
21
H
30
O
5
), corticosterone (C
21
H
30
O
4
), cortisone (C
21
H
28
O
5
) and aldosterone (C
21
H
28
O
5
). (Note that cortisone and aldosterone are isomers.) The main corticosteroids produced by the adrenal cortex are cortisol and aldosterone.

Classes