corticosterone

 

(kôr'təkōstĕr'ōn) , steroid hormone secreted by the outer layer, or cortex, of the adrenal gland. Classed as a glucocorticoid, corticosterone helps regulate the conversion of amino acids into carbohydrates and glycogen by the liver, and helps stimulate glycogen formation in the tissues. Corticosterone is similar in structure, although somewhat less potent, than the other glucocorticoids cortisol and cortisone. It is produced in response to stimulation by the pituitary substance adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). In some species, but not in humans, corticosterone is the predominant glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal. It is a precursor in the synthesis of aldosterone, another adrenal cortical steroid.

Corticosterone
Identifiers
CAS number	50-22-6
PubChem	5753
MeSH	Corticosterone
Properties
Molecular formula	C21H30O4
Molar mass	346.461
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Corticosterone is a 21 carbon steroid hormone of the corticosteroid type produced in the cortex of the adrenal glands.

Functions

In many species, including rodents, corticosterone is the principal glucocorticoid, involved in regulation of fuel metabolism, immune reactions, and stress responses.

However, in humans, corticosterone is produced primarily in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. It has only weak glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid potencies in humans and is important mainly as an intermediate in the steroidogenic pathway from pregnenolone to aldosterone.

Additional images

Steroidogenesis

Deoxycorticosterone

Aldosterone

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