Hormone: Glucocorticoid (cortisol)

Basic: Steroid, Non-tropic, hormonal

Location: Adrenal cortex (zona fasciculate)
Mechanism: Hormonal control
Stimulated by:

CRH->ACTH (major effect on cortisol release)

Stressors (hemorrhage, infection, physical or emotional trauma)
Diurnal release
hypoglycemia

Negative feedback mechanism:

Rising cortisol levels, glucose feed back to acton both hypothalamus and anterior pituitary,
preventing CRH release and shutting off ACTH and cortisol secretion

Target: All body cells

Action:

Provoke gluconeogenesis (formation of glucose from fats and proteins)

Mobilizes fatty acids from adipose tissue and encourages their use for energy
Stored proteins are broken down to provide building blocks for repair
Rises blood pressure in order to ensure adequate nutrients to body cells

Disease:

Hypersecretion
Chushings disease
o May be caused by ACTH-releasing pituitary tumor
o Persistent elevated blood glucose levels
o Dramatic losses in muscle and bone protein, water and salt retention
o Hypertension and edema