Corticosterone
Corticosterone
Corticosterone (pronounced as kor-ti-ko-ster-own) is a 21-carbon steroid hormone produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands. It is a vital part of the body's response to stress and plays a key role in regulating immune response, glucose metabolism, and maintaining cardiovascular function.
Etymology
The term "corticosterone" is derived from the Latin cortex (bark of a tree, rind, shell) and the Greek steros (solid, firm). The suffix "-one" is commonly used in chemistry to denote substances related to ketones.
Function
Corticosterone is a type of glucocorticoid, which are a class of corticosteroids that affect the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and have anti-inflammatory activity. It is involved in the regulation of energy, immune reactions, and stress responses. It is also important in maintaining cardiovascular function and regulating the sleep cycle.
Related Terms
- Adrenal Glands: These are small glands located on top of each kidney. They produce a variety of hormones including adrenaline and the steroids aldosterone and corticosterone.
- Glucocorticoid: This is a class of corticosteroids, which are a type of steroid hormone. Glucocorticoids are corticosteroids that bind to the glucocorticoid receptor, which is present in almost every vertebrate animal cell.
- Cortex: In anatomy and zoology, the cortex is the outermost layer of an organ. Organs with well-defined cortices include the brain, kidneys, and adrenal glands.
- Steroid Hormone: Steroid hormones are a type of hormone that are chemically similar to each other, but may have different biological functions. They are secreted by three "steroid glands"—the adrenal cortex, testes, and ovaries—and by the placenta during pregnancy.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Corticosterone
- Wikipedia's article - Corticosterone
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