Teoria

What is cortisol?
Cortisol, known more formally as hydrocortisone (INN, USAN, BAN), is a steroid hormone, more specifically a glucocorticoid, produced by the zone fasciculata of the adrenal gland.It is released in response to stress and a low level of blood glucocorticoids. Its primary functions are to increase blood sugar through gluconeogenesis; suppress the immune system; and aid in fat,protein and carbohydrate metabolism. It also decreases bone formation. Various synthetic forms of cortisol are used to treat a variety of diseases.
Production and release
Cortisol is produced in thehuman body by the adrenal gland in the zone fasciculata, the second of three layers comprising the adrenal cortex. The cortex is the outer "bark" of each adrenal gland, situated atop the kidneys. Therelease of cortisol is controlled by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain. The secretion of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) by the hypothalamus triggers cells in the neighboring anteriorpituitary to secrete another hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), into the vascular system where it is carried by blood to the adrenal cortex.
Main functions in the body
Cortisol stimulatesgluconeogenesis (formation, in the liver, of glucose from certain amino acids, glycerol, lactate and/or propionate) and it activates anti-stress and anti-inflammatory pathways.
It down regulates theInterleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) on "Helper" (CD4+) T-cells. This results in the inability of Interleukin-2 to upregulate the Th2 (Humoral) immune response and results in a Th1 (Cellular) immune dominance.This results in a decrease in B-cell antibody production. Cortisol prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. This is why cortisol is used to treat conditions resulting fromover activity of the B-cell mediated antibody response such as inflammatory and rheumatoid diseases, and allergies. Low-potency hydrocortisone, available over the counter in some countries, is used...