Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is cortisol used as a medication. It replaces deficient cortisol and suppresses inflammation through glucocorticoid receptor signaling.

Glucocorticoid receptor: A steroid-activated transcription factor that regulates gene expression and cellular responses. Hydrocortisone binds this receptor to alter inflammation, metabolism, and immune activity.
Adrenal insufficiency: A condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones. Hydrocortisone replaces deficient cortisol in many patients with this condition.
Corticosteroid: A steroid hormone or synthetic drug with glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid effects. Hydrocortisone belongs to this broader family of hormones and medicines.
Prednisone: An oral synthetic glucocorticoid converted in the liver to active prednisolone. Prednisone is a longer-acting alternative often used for inflammatory disease.
Cortisol: The principal glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Hydrocortisone is chemically identical to the cortisol made by the body.
Addison's disease: A form of primary adrenal insufficiency caused by damage to the adrenal cortex. Hydrocortisone is commonly used to replace cortisol in this specific disease.
Glucocorticoid potency: The relative strength of glucocorticoids in producing specified biological effects. Potency comparisons help distinguish hydrocortisone from longer-acting, stronger alternatives.
Dexamethasone: A potent, long-acting synthetic glucocorticoid with minimal mineralocorticoid activity. Its greater potency and longer action contrast with hydrocortisone’s replacement-like profile.
Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis: The hormone-signaling system linking the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. Hydrocortisone can suppress this system’s signals and reduce endogenous cortisol production.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A group of inherited disorders that impair adrenal steroid hormone synthesis. Hydrocortisone can replace cortisol and reduce excess adrenal androgen production.

Linked from 13 pages