Understanding cortisol action in acute inflammation. A view from the adrenal gland to the target cell Para entender la acción de cortisol en inflamación aguda: Una mirada desde la glándula suprarrenal hasta la célula blanco

Abstract

© 2017 Rev Med Chile. All right reserved.Glucocorticoids (cortisol in humans) are essential for numerous biological functions. Among critically ill patients, therapy with cortisol has gained strength in recent years, but clinical results have been mixed. A series of events, that may explain the diversity of clinical responses, occur from the synthesis of cortisol in the adrenal gland to the activation of the cortisol receptor by the hormone when it enters the nucleus of the target cell. Some of these events are revised; a proposition for identifying critically ill patients who may benefit with this therapy is suggested.