define glucocorticoid
The key glucocorticoid in humans is cortisone, which is released by the adrenal glands. Cortisone is a glucocorticoid that stimulates the conversion of proteins to glucose in the liver. A glucocorticoid is any one of a group of steroid hormones, such as cortisone, that are produced by the adrenal glands in the kidney and which control carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism, and have anti-inflammatory activity.