question_answer 40)

  Inflammatory responses can be controlled by a certain steroid. Name the steroid, its source and also its other important functions.

Answer:

                Glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol, produce anti-inflammatory reactions and suppress the immune response. The source for glucocorticoids is the middle zone, which is the widest of three zones, in adrenal cortex called zona fasciculata. The functions of glucocorticoids as the name suggests they is that they affect carbohydrate metabolism and metabolism of proteins and fats. They stimulate gluconeogenesis, lipolysis and proteolysis. They also inhibit cellular uptake and utilisation of arnino acids. Cortisol is also called stress hormone as it copes with stress.