(corticosteroid) A group of naturally occurring chemical hormones produced by the adrenal cortex that regulate a large number of physiologic processes including stress responses, immune responses and inflammation, carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and electrolyte balance. The group includes glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Synthetic analogues of naturally occurring hormones are also referred to as corticosteroids, and often simply called steroids.

(corticosteroid) Any of the 21-carbon steroids elaborated by the adrenal cortex (excluding the sex hormones of adrenal origin) in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) released by the pituitary gland or to angiotensin II; called also adrenocorticoid, corticoid, adrenal cortical or adrenocortical steroid, and adrenocortical or cortical hormone.

(corticosteroid) Any steroid hormone made in the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenal gland). They are also made in the laboratory. Corticosteroids have many different effects in the body, and are used to treat many different conditions. They may be used as hormone replacement, to suppress the immune system, and to treat some side effects of cancer and its treatment. Corticosteroids are also used to treat certain lymphomas and lymphoid leukemias.

(corticosteroid) Hormones synthesized in the cortex of the adrenal gland and consist of two subclasses, glucocorticoids (carbohydrate regulation) and mineralocorticoids (electrolyte regulation).

(corticosteroids) Steroid medications made to mimic hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands. They are used to treat a wide range of health problems.

HORMONES produced by the ADRENAL CORTEX, including both steroid and peptide hormones. The major hormones produced are HYDROCORTISONE and ALDOSTERONE.