14 Facts About Glucocorticoids

Glucocorticoids are a class of corticosteroids, which are a class of steroid hormones.

Glucocorticoids are corticosteroids that bind to the glucocorticoid receptor that is present in almost every vertebrate animal cell.

Glucocorticoids are part of the feedback mechanism in the immune system, which reduces certain aspects of immune function, such as inflammation.

Glucocorticoids have many diverse effects, including potentially harmful side effects, and as a result are rarely sold over the counter.

Glucocorticoids are chiefly produced in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, whereas mineralocorticoids are synthesized in the zona glomerulosa.

Glucocorticoids are shown to play a role in the development and homeostasis of T lymphocytes.

Glucocorticoids have been shown to have a significant impact on vigilance and cognition .

Glucocorticoids could act centrally, as well as peripherally, to assist in the normalization of extracellular fluid volume by regulating body's action to atrial natriuretic peptide .

Glucocorticoids bind to the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor, a type of nuclear receptor that is activated by ligand binding.

Glucocorticoids are historically used for pain relief in inflammatory conditions.

Glucocorticoids are potent anti-inflammatories, regardless of the inflammation's cause; their primary anti-inflammatory mechanism is lipocortin-1 synthesis.

Glucocorticoids marketed as anti-inflammatories are often topical formulations, such as nasal sprays for rhinitis or inhalers for asthma.

Glucocorticoids can be used in the management of familial hyperaldosteronism type 1.

Glucocorticoids could be used in the treatment of decompensated heart failure to potentiate renal responsiveness to diuretics, especially in heart failure patients with refractory diuretic resistance with large doses of loop diuretics.