The limits to levels of circulating cortisol are normally tightly controlled by negative feedback loops which involve both the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary. Under some conditions, however, the feedback loops are overruled and cortisol release is greatly increased. The stimulus for this increased release usually takes the form of some type of stress . After release, cortisol immediately binds with plasma proteins, especially with the specific binding protein, transcortin . Lesser amounts bind with plasma albumin.
Cortisol exerts a number of metabolic effects.
In addition, cortisol has a number of anti-inflammatory effects. Lack of sufficient aldosterone is especially critical. Overproduction of adrenal cortical hormones is termed hyperadrenalism or Cushing's Syndrome . Excessive suppression of the immune system may result in chronic infections. These two possibilities may be differentiated by the use of the potent synthetic steroid, dexamethasone .