Biological effects of cortisol

Abstract

Cortisol is an essential steroid hormone, synthesized from cholesterol and released from the adrenal gland. Cortisol is mostly known for its implication in physiological changes associated with stressful circumstances. It has as main function to regulate our response to stress, via activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA-axis). However, this hormone has a variety of effects on different functions throughout the body in normal circumstances or at its basal levels. Cortisol act on tissues and cells of the liver, muscle, adipose tissues, pancreas, testis, and ovaries. Moreso, it is also implicated in the regulation of various processes such as energy regulation, glucose metabolism, immune function, feeding, circadian rhythms, as well as behavioral processes. The body continuously monitors the cortisol levels to maintain steady levels (homeostasis). In this chapter, we attempt to describe the biological effects of cortisol on the various organs of the body in humans and other animal species, with emphasis on the action mechanism implicated at level of the cells of the main target tissues or organs.