Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a class of corticosteroids, which are a class of steroid hormones. Glucocorticoids are corticosteroids that bind to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), that is present in almost every vertebrate animal cell.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucocorticoid
Here, we review mechanisms whereby gluco-. corticoids inhibit inflammation and the therapeutic limitations of these hormones. We. then provide a prospectus for research on drugs that dissociate the beneficial and det-. rimental effects of glucocorticoids.
http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMra050541
The glucocorticoid receptor is a member of the. steroid-hormone–receptor family of proteins. 11,12. It binds with high affinity to cortisol; the bound cor-. tisol promotes the dissociation of molecular chap-. erones, including heat–shock proteins, from the. receptor (Fig. 2).
http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMra050541
Glucocorticoids are indicated for the treatment of. many of these diverse conditions. The efficacy of glucocorticoids in alleviating inflam-. matory disorders results from the pleiotropic effects of the glucocorticoid receptor on. multiple signaling pathways.
http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMra050541
The name glucocorticoid (glucose + cortex + steroid) is composed from its role in regulation of glucose metabolism, synthesis in the adrenal cortex, and its steroidal structure (see structure to the right). A less common synonym is glucocorticosteroid.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucocorticoid
The hypothalamic–pituitary–. adrenal axis and glucocorticoids in particular are essential in limiting and resolving the. inflammatory process. 2. Whereas restricted inflammation is beneficial, excessive or persistent inflammation. incites tissue destruction and disease.
http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMra050541
Hydrocortisone, also called cortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, and cortisone are the types of glucocorticoids found in most vertebrates. Cortisol is the most abundant and potent glucocorticoid in humans and fish. Corticosterone is most potent in amphibians, reptiles, and birds.
http://e.hormone.tulane.edu/learning/corticoids.html
Dexamethasone binds more powerfully to the glucocorticoid receptor than cortisol does. Dexamethasone is based on the cortisol structure but differs in three positions (extra double bond in the A-ring between carbons 1 and 2 and addition of a 9-α-fluoro group and a 16-α-methyl substituent).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucocorticoid
Cortisol (or hydrocortisone) is the most important human glucocorticoid. It is essential for life, and it regulates or supports a variety of important cardiovascular, metabolic, immunologic, and homeostatic functions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucocorticoid
In con-. trast, decreased activity of the axis and low levels. of glucocorticoids increase susceptibility to and. the severity of inflammation. Patients with Addi-. son’s disease, for example, require supplemental. glucocorticoids during infection and inflamma-. tion to prevent the toxic effects of cytokines.
http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMra050541
function of glucocorticoids
The function of a glucocorticoid is to regulate or support a variety of important cardiovascular, metabolic, immunologic, and homeostatic functions. Glucocorticoid regulates or supports a variety of important cardiovascular, metabolic, immunologic and homeostatic functions.