GC: n

S: NCBI – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17075058/ (last access: 20 November 2023); NHS – https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/cortisol-day-curve/ (last access: 20 November 2023).

N: 1. “hydrocortisone,” 1953; see from “cortisone” + “-ol”. Chosen as a shorter and clearer alternative to hydrocortisone.

2. cortisol, an organic compound belonging to the steroid family that is the principal hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. It is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and is used for the palliative treatment of a number of conditions, including itching caused by dermatitis or insect bites, inflammation associated with arthritis or ulcerative colitis, and diseases of the adrenal glands.

3. Cortisol is the major glucocorticoid in humans. It has two primary actions: it stimulates gluconeogenesis—the breakdown of protein and fat to provide metabolites that can be converted to glucose in the liver—and it activates antistress and anti-inflammatory pathways. It also has weak mineralocorticoid activity. Cortisol plays a major role in the body’s response to stress. It helps to maintain blood glucose concentrations by increasing gluconeogenesis and by blocking the uptake of glucose into tissues other than the central nervous system. It also contributes to the maintenance of blood pressure by augmenting the constrictive effects of catecholamines on blood vessels.

4. The major natural glucocorticoid (q.v.) synthesized in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex; it affects the metabolism of glucose, protein and fats and has appreciable mineralocorticoid activity. It also regulates the immune system and affects many other functions.

5. When used as a pharmaceutical, it is usually referred to as hydrocortisone. For therapeutic uses.

S: 1. OED – https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=cortisol (last access: 20 November 2023). 2. (last access: 20 November 2023). 3. EncBrit – https://www.britannica.com/science/cortisol (last access: 20 November 2023). 4&5. TERMIUM PLUS – https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=cortisol&index=alt&codom2nd_wet=1#resultrecs (last access: 20 November 2023).

SYN: hydrocortisone (depending on context)

S: Etymonline – https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=cortisol (last access: 20 November 2023); TERMIUM PLUS – https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=cortisol&index=alt&codom2nd_wet=1#resultrecs (last access: 20 November 2023).

CR: Addison’s disease, corticosteroid, cortisone, Cushing’s syndrome, dwarfism, steroid.