Blood cortisol
Cortisol is one of the most important hormones produced in the adrenal cortex. It has action on Metabolist of carbohydrates, for this reason is known as one of the main glucocorticoid, so its important to measure the cortisol in the blood.
The effects of cortisol are:
Increased catabolism of protein nitrogen
Gluconeogenesis which comprises:
Sangínea increased concentration of glucose, decreased glucose tolerance
Increased liver glycogen
Increased hepatic glycogenolysis
Decreased uptake and peripheral glucose utilization
Decreased synthesis of sulfated mucopolysaccharides.
Synthesis and fat redistribution.
Tissue and cellular effects of the following nature:
Inflammatory (delayed inflammatory reactions)
Dissolution of the lymphoid tissue
Lymphopenia
Eosinopenia
Increased erythropoiesis
Alterations in cell permeability.
Increased gastric secretion (hydrochloric acid and pepsin)
Normal values of cortisol
There are different ways to express the cortisol, one of which is expressed in ug / L.
Cortisol secretion occurs in response to three causes: ACTH, a diurnal rhythm and stress.
Since his release is subject to a cycle during the day, reaching maximum values during the morning, and then decreasing towards the evening hours. The circadian cycle is called. It is important to note that the release of cortisol is episodic, therefore, not required, but recommended that an abnormal value is corroborated by a second blood sample.
Usually speaks of plasma cortisol, or cortisol in the blood, or simply cortisol, for that matter, are equivalent terms, ie, are used interchangeably and refer to the same.
Therefore, we often speak of a basal cortisol am (Formerly Meridian) and cortisol p.m. (Post meridian).
For these Determination of cortisol, normal values are:
Basal cortisol a.m. 60 to 250 ug / L. or 6 to 25 ug / dL.
Cortisol p.m. 30 to 130 ug / L. or, 3 to 13 ug / dL.
When you take the blood sample, it is important that samples are taken as follows:
Cortisol a.m. between 8 and 10 am
Cortisol p.m. between 4 and 6 pm
Cortisol causes increased
You can say, very brief that the concentration of cortisol in the blood is increased in Cushing’s disease and syndrome ectopic ACTH production.
Cortisol causes of decreased
Cortisol is decreased in Addison’s disease and in hypopituitarism secondary adrenal insufficiency.