vascular/ bronchial sm myo response to catecholamines is diminished if cortisol missing & restored by glucocorticoid

lipolytic response to fat cells to catecholamines, ACTH, GH are dec if glucocorticoids absent

stimulate/ req'd for gluconeogenesis & glycogen synthesis in fasting state

inc glucose levels therefore stim insulin release & inhib lipolysis (inc fat)

supra levels lead to dec myo mass, weakness, & thinning of the skin

osteoporosis in Cushings syn...avoid long term use

in children- reduce growth

due to effects on conc, distrib, and funct of peripheral leukocytes & suppressive effects on inflam cytokines and chemokines

after dose of SA glucocorticosteroid, conc of neutophils inc, while lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils dec

inhib funct of tissue macrophages and other antigen-presenting cells

influence inflamm response by reducing the prostaglandin, leukotriene, and platelet-activating factor synthesis resulting from activ phospholipase A2

reduce expression of cyclooxygenase-2, reducing prostaglandins

cause vasoconstriction, & dec capillary permeability by reducing the amt of histamine prod

peptic ulcer, fat redistribution, dec calcium absorption

tx: chronic Addisons disease (chronic adrenocortical insuff) w/ fludorcortisone

tx: acute Addison's disease (parenteral) + fluids/electolytes

tx: congenital adrenal hyperplasia + prednisone + fludrocortisone + salt

tx: Cushing's syndrome

prodrug

used to stim fetal lung maturation

tx to prevent congenital adrenal hyperplasia (given to mother)

used for diagnostic purposes : Cushings syn, depressive psych states (pseudo-cushings syn)