Cortisol

Cortisol is one of the major glucocorticoids synthesized in the zona fasciculate of the adrenal cortex. Cortisol secretion is regulated by the hypothalamic hormone, CRH, and the pituitary hormone, ACTH, in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Cortisol is known as a stress hormone involved in the response to physical and/or emotional stress. Cortisol also participates in various homeostatic maintenance actions such as blood pressure, immune system, antiinflammatory action, and the metabolism of protein, carbohydrate, and adipose. A decrease of cortisol induces Addison's disease while the overproduction of cortisol is related to Cushing's syndrome.