Description
Cortisol, A.M. - Cortisol is increased in Cushing`s Disease and decreased in Addison`s Disease (adrenal insufficiency).
Assay is not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay.
Cortisol is the most leading glucocorticosteroid and it is very much neccessary for the maintenance of several body functions. Like any other glucocorticosteroids cortisol is synthesized from the common precursor cholesterol in zona fasciculata of the cortex of the adrenal gland. about 90% of cortisol is bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) and to albumin for the easy transport of cortisol in blood. Only a small amount of cortisol is not bounded in blood and is free to touch base with its receptors.
Cortisol, also called as hydrocortisone is an organic compound belonging to the steroid family that is the main hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. Cortisol is the main glucocorticoid in humans. It has two primary actions like it stimulates gluconeogenesis—the breakdown of protein and fat to provide metabolites which can be converted to glucose in the liver and it activates anti-inflammatory and antistree pathways.Cortisol plays a major role in the body 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.
The most important effects of cortisol are the increase in blood glucose levels and its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action including pituitary overproduction of ACTH, adrenal adenomas, production of ACTH by a tumor. The cortisol status of a patient is used to diagnose the function or malfunction of the adrenal gland, the pituitary, and the hypothalamus.
A nodule in the adrenal gland or a tumor in the brain’s pituitary gland can trigger the body to make too much cortisol. This can cause a condition called Cushing syndrome. It can lead to rapid weight gain, bruise skin, diabetes, muscle weakness, and many other health problems.
Addison`s disease which is known as primary adrenal insufficiency and hypocortisolism is a long-term endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones. If the level is too low the brain adjusts the amount of hormones it can produce. The adrenal glands pick up on these signals and they modify the amount of cortisol which is release.
