Question

What are the functions of cortisol?

Answer 1

Cortisol:

1. It is a hormone produced and released by the adrenal gland in mammals generally by zona pellucida of the adrenal cortex.
2. It is included in the glucocorticoid class of hormones (steroid hormone).
3. The cortisol levels in the body are maintained according to the work-sleep cycle of a person generally ranging from 10-20 Mcg/dl in the morning to 3-10 Mcg/dl at midnight.
4. These levels can change from person to person depending on sleep and stress.

Functions of cortisol in the body are:

1. Stress regulation: At the time of stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated inducing the hypothalamus to release catecholamines in response to the stimulus. If stress conditions persist hypothalamus stimulates the release of cortisol from the adrenal gland. Cortisol activates the release of stored glucose( glycogen) from the liver and muscles to fulfill high energy demands during stress conditions.
2. Anti-inflammatory responses: Cortisol generally suppresses the inflammatory responses in the body during the immune response. Thus, cortisol helps to improve immunity.
3. Increase blood sugar levels: Cortisol plays an antagonistic role to insulin as it increases blood sugar levels by promoting gluconeogenesis but inhibiting glycogen formation in the liver while insulin lowers the level of glucose present in the blood. A high level of cortisol thus leads to hyperglycemic conditions in type - II diabetes.
4. Control blood pressure: High cortisol levels in the blood leads to hypertension while low cortisol level is observed in low B.P conditions.
5. Sleep-wake cycle: Generally cortisol levels are high during the morning and decline simultaneously throughout the day which declines to the lowest during the night. These levels change according to a person's sleep cycle.
6. Regulate salt water balance: Cortisol act on the kidney and increases water and sodium retention lowers the filtration rate through the glomerular and also reduces renal plasma flow thus regulating water and salt balance in the body.
7. Helps in memory formation: Cortisol is released during stress conditions and it prepares the brain for the addition of new responses and apposes retrieval of old data.
8. Development of fetus: High cortisol levels during pregnancy helps in the neural growth of the fetus and also help in inducing a large number of enzymes necessary for survival after birth.
9. Usage of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins: Cortisol regulates the usage of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body for energy thus it plays a significant role in regulating body metabolism.