A glucocorticoid not normally secreted in significant quantities by the human adrenal cortex. Endogenously, it is probably a metabolite of hydrocortisone but exhibits no biological activity until converted to hydrocortisone (cortisol); it acts upon carbohydrate metabolism and influences the nutrition and growth of connective (collagenous) tissues. It was the first glucocorticoid available for therapy. SYN: Wintersteiner compound F.
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cor·ti·sone -.sōn, -.zōn n a glucocorticoid C21H28O5 that is produced naturally in small amounts by the adrenal cortex and is administered in the form of its synthetic acetate C23H30O6 esp. as replacement therapy for deficient adrenocortical secretion and as an anti-inflammatory agent (as for rheumatoid arthritis) compare 11-dehydrocorticosterone
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n.
a naturally occurring corticosteroid that is used mainly to treat deficiency of corticosteroid hormones in Addison's disease and following surgical removal of the adrenal glands. It is administered by mouth or injection and may cause serious side-effects such as stomach ulcers and bleeding, nervous and hormone disturbances, muscle and bone damage, and eye changes.
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cor·ti·sone (korґtĭ-sōn) a natural glucocorticoid that is metabolically convertible to cortisol. The human adrenal cortex secretes only minute amounts; most that is found in peripheral plasma is formed from cortisol by a reversible reaction. The synthetic hormone exerts its pharmaceutical effects through its metabolic conversion to cortisol.Medical dictionary. 2011.