Introduction + Classification + Pharmacological Action + Regulation of Release and Drawback of Glucocorticoids Hormone

By Ankita Rai | Last Updated: November 18, 2018 Previous       Next

Introduction

Glucocorticoid hormone is a steroidal hormone. It releases from zona fasciculata layer of adrenal cortex of the adrenal gland. Glucocorticoid hormone is steroidal in nature. A release of glucocorticoid hormone is controlled by the hypothalamus.

Classification

Glucocorticoids are classified as following…

1- Natural Glucocorticoid

There are following natural glucocorticoids.

• Cortisol
• Cortisone
• Corticosterone

2- Synthetic Glucocorticoid

There are following synthetic glucocorticoids.

• Prednisone
• Prednisolone
• Triamcinolone
• Dexamethasone
• Paramethasone

Note: Synthetic glucocorticoids having more anti-inflametory activity the anabolic activity of natural glucocorticoids.

Pharmacological Action

Glucocorticoids have a following pharmacological action.

1- Carbohydrate Metabolism:
Glucocorticoid hormone increases the gluconeogenesis (formation of glucose) process.

2- Fat Metabolism:
Glucocorticoid hormone helps to increase lypogenesis (formation of lipids) process, proliferation and distribution of fat in the body.

3- Glucocorticoid is also involved in the protein synthesis process.

4- It helps to enhance the production of ATP.

5- Glucocorticoids increase the osteoporosis (increase Ca+ level in skeleton muscle and bone.)

6- It is a anti-inflammatory in nature and also helpful for the balance of electrolyte & water balance.

Regulation of Release/Mode of Action

Drawback

Hyposecreation- Hyposecreation of glucocorticoids cause Addission diseases and they are the followings.

1. Loss of body weight
2. Hypotension
3. GIT disorder
4. Skin pigmentation

Hypersecreation- Hypersecreation of cause cushing syndrome.

Cushing syndrome- increases the deposition of fat on the face, neck, abdominal & hip region.