Cortisol Small Molecules and Peptides

Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone or compound F, is the primary glucocorticoid produced and secreted by the adrenal cortex. Found either free or bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) in the blood, cortisol is involved in glucose homeostasis, inflammation, hypersensitivity, immunosuppression, and disease resistance. Plasma cortisol levels increase in response to stress and abnormal levels are implicated in prostate cancer, depression, and schizophrenia. Cushing's disease is caused by systemic cortisol excess.