Corticosterone

Corticosterone is a corticosteroid hormone produced mainly by the adrenal cortex. It helps regulate stress responses, metabolism, and immune activity, and serves as the principal glucocorticoid in many rodents and birds.

Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis: A hormonal system linking the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands to regulate stress responses. This axis stimulates adrenal corticosterone release and adjusts it through feedback.
Stress hormone: A hormone whose secretion or action changes during physiological or psychological stress. Corticosterone is a major stress hormone in many vertebrates.
Cortisol: A glucocorticoid hormone that is the principal circulating glucocorticoid in humans and many other mammals. Cortisol, rather than corticosterone, is the main glucocorticoid in humans.
Gluconeogenesis: The production of glucose from non-carbohydrate precursors such as amino acids and glycerol. Corticosterone can promote glucose availability during prolonged stress.
Cholesterol: A lipid molecule that serves as a structural component of animal cell membranes and a precursor to steroid hormones. Adrenal cells use cholesterol as the starting material for corticosterone synthesis.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone: A pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release corticosteroids. It is the main hormonal signal driving adrenal corticosterone production.
Adrenal gland: An endocrine organ that produces hormones involved in stress responses, metabolism, and salt balance. The adrenal cortex is the principal source of circulating corticosterone.
Aldosterone: A mineralocorticoid hormone that regulates sodium and potassium balance and helps control blood pressure. Aldosterone primarily controls salt balance, unlike corticosterone's prominent glucocorticoid actions.
Immunosuppression: A reduction in the activity or effectiveness of the immune system. Elevated glucocorticoid signaling, including corticosterone, can suppress immune activity.
Adrenal cortex: The outer region of the adrenal gland that produces steroid hormones. Corticosterone is produced mainly in this tissue.

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