Corticosteroid Hormone Glucocorticoids and Mineralocorticoid

Abstract

Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoid are
contributors to the corticosteroid hormone family,
synthesized in the adrenal gland from the
precursor sterol LDL cholesterol using the
intermediate pregnenolone. Cortisol is an
indispensable glucocorticoid in humans (in
rodents, corticosterone), and aldosterone is an
important mineralocorticoid. Cortisol and
aldosterone share a time-honored synthesis
pathway, are structurally similar, and exhibit a
degree of cross-receptor affinity and function.
Nevertheless, small variations in structure permit
critical variants in physiological functions.
Aldosterone classically acts via the
mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) to promote
sodium transport in the kidney and gut, thereby
regulating long-term electrolyte homeostasis and
blood stress control. Cortisol, via comparison, is
well known for a sizeable range of metabolic and
stress-related responses