Cortisol

cortisol /cor·ti·sol/ (-sol) the major natural glucocorticoid elaborated by the adrenal cortex; it affects the metabolism of glucose, protein, and fats and has mineralocorticoid activity. See hydrocortisone for therapeutic uses.

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cor·ti·sol (kôrt-sôl, -zôl, -sl, -zl)

n.

See hydrocortisone.

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Cortisol

A hormone released by the cortex (outer portion) of the adrenal gland when a person is under stress. Cortisol levels are now considered a biological marker of suicide risk.

Mentioned in: Adrenal Gland Cancer, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Cushing's Syndrome, General Adaptation Syndrome, Suicide

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cortisol (kōrˑ·t·sōl),

n an adrenal hormone produced in response to stress.

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cortisol,

n See hydrocortisone.

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cortisol

a hormone from the adrenal cortex; the principal glucocorticoid. Called also 17-hydroxycorticosterone and, pharmaceutically, hydrocortisone. A synthetic preparation is used for its anti-inflammatory actions.

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cortisol-binding globulin

much plasma cortisol is bound to a a-globulin—transcortin, some to albumin. Much is free and in the form of a glycuronide or sulfate.

cortisol:corticosterone ratio

the ratio between the two hormones is different between species and even between individual animals. There is also a circadian rhythm in the ratio which must therefore be interpreted with caution.

cortisol:creatinine (C/C) ratio

measured in the urine as a screening test for hyperadrenocorticism.

cortisol hemisuccinate

see hydrocortisone.

cortisol response test

see acth response test; dexamethasone suppression test.