What is the function of adrenal cortical hormones?
Mar 04, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Guang
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the functions of corticosteroids include regulating material metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects, immunomodulatory effects, anti-allergic effects, and effects on various tissues and organs. Corticosteroids, particularly glucocorticoids, can increase blood glucose levels, promote protein breakdown, and facilitate redistribution of fat. These actions help the body cope with stress or illness.
Generally, the functions of adrenal cortical hormones include regulating material metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects, immunomodulatory effects, anti-allergic effects, and effects on tissues and organs. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Regulation of Material Metabolism
Adrenal cortical hormones, especially glucocorticoids, can increase blood glucose levels, promote protein breakdown, and facilitate fat redistribution. These effects help the body rapidly adjust energy supply and material utilization during stress or illness to meet urgent physiological demands.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Adrenal cortical hormones have anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration and the release of inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing tissue damage and inflammatory responses. These effects play a crucial role in treating various inflammatory diseases.
3. Immunomodulatory Effects
Adrenal cortical hormones can influence the differentiation, proliferation, and function of immune cells, thereby exerting immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory effects. These effects help reduce excessive immune responses in autoimmune diseases or allergic reactions.
4. Anti-allergic Effects
Adrenal cortical hormones can suppress the release of immune cells and inflammatory mediators triggered by allergens, thus alleviating allergic symptoms. This mechanism is effective in treating allergic diseases.
5. Effects on Tissues and Organs
Adrenal cortical hormones can increase red and white blood cell counts, inhibit pyrogen release from granulocytes to produce antipyretic effects, and simultaneously prevent muscle atrophy and weakness. These effects help maintain normal physiological functions and metabolic status in the body.
In daily life, maintaining adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and appropriate exercise can help regulate the endocrine system, thereby supporting the normal secretion and function of adrenal cortical hormones.
