Question

Which of the following statements about glucocorticoids is correct?
A. The major glucocorticoid in humans is cortisol.
B. They are secreted by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex.
C. Secretion of these hormones is decreased in Addison's disease.
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones extensively used for the treatment of swelling, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. To exert their extensive physiological and therapeutic effects, GCs bind to the GC receptor (GR) belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Glucocorticoids are effective medicines that combat inflammation and work with the immune system to treat a wide variety of health issues. The human body actually produces its own glucocorticoids. These hormones have numerous jobs, like controlling how cells use sugar and fat and curbing irritation. Zona fasciculata, the central zone of the adrenal cortex secretes glucocorticoids which are essential for protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism.
An example is a cortisol which increases blood glucose and cellular synthesis of glycogen. Its secretion is regulated by a hormone from the pituitary - ACTH. Cortisol (or hydrocortisone) is the most significant human glucocorticoid. It is important for life and controls or supports a wide variety of essential metabolic, cardiovascular, immunologic, and homeostatic functions. Addison's disease is caused by harm to adrenal glands, which leads to the insufficient hormone cortisol and, also insufficient aldosterone. Decreased blood cortisol leads to improved pituitary ACTH production and improved blood beta-lipotropin, which has melanocyte-stimulating activity and, along with ACTH, causes the hyperpigmentation of skin and mucous membranes characteristic of Addison disorder.
Therefore the correct answer is Option D.

Note: The commonly used glucocorticoids are prednisolone, prednisone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, and others. They are modified in the chemical structures of the cortisone (hydrocortisone) backbone to improve their anti-inflammatory effects.