Mineralcorticoids maintain salt balance, a function which is necessary to sustain life. The aldosterone synthesis is increased by signals to the adrenal cortex for more steroid hormones. Metabolism consists of reduction of the C3 and C20 keto groups and the D 4 double bond followed by conjugation with glucuronic acid and secretion in the urine. Glucocorticoids Cortisol is a glucocorticoid. Glucocorticoids maintain glucose availability.
Cortisol acts mainly on the liver, with muscle and brain as secondary targets.
Cortisol can stimulate de-novo synthesis of glucose, conversion of amino acids into glucose, or release of glucose from glycogen storage. Overproduction, or over administration, of glucocorticoids can lead to hyperglycemia. Cortisol also stimulates the break down of triglycerides to fatty acids and glycerol but suppresses the immune system. Cortisol release and as such are anti-inflammatory agents. In vivo, C11 ketone gets reduced to b -hydroxyl group.