What is the Difference Between Glucocorticoids and Corticosteroids?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Glucocorticoids and corticosteroids are both types of steroid hormones that play important roles in the body. The main differences between them are their specific functions and the fact that glucocorticoids are a subset of corticosteroids. Here are the key differences:
- Classification: Corticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, which include glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids are a specific type of corticosteroid that primarily regulate immune response and stress response.
- Functions: Glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, have a primary function of regulating immune response, stress response, and metabolism of fat, protein, and glucose in the body. Mineralocorticoids, on the other hand, play a role in regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure.
- Synthesis: Glucocorticoids are synthesized primarily in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex, while mineralocorticoids are synthesized in the zona glomerulosa.
- Medicinal use: Both glucocorticoids and corticosteroids are used in medicine to treat diseases caused by an overactive immune system, such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and sepsis. However, the term "corticosteroids" is often used to refer to glucocorticoids when discussing their therapeutic use.
In summary, all glucocorticoids are corticosteroids, but not all corticosteroids are glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids specifically regulate immune response, stress response, and metabolism, while corticosteroids encompass a broader range of steroid hormones that include both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
Comparative Table: Glucocorticoids vs Corticosteroids
The main difference between glucocorticoids and corticosteroids is that glucocorticoids are a specific type of corticosteroid that primarily regulate immune response and stress response. Here is a table summarizing the differences:
| Category | Glucocorticoids | Corticosteroids |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Regulate immune response, stress response, and glucose, protein, and fat metabolism | Play diverse functions, including regulating immune response, stress response, glucose, protein, and fat metabolism, as well as mineralocorticoid and androgen functions |
| Types | Examples include cortisol and prednisone | Include glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens |
| Classification | Corticosteroids | Corticosteroids |
| Synthesis | Occurs primarily in the cortex of the adrenal gland | Occurs in both the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla |
In summary, all glucocorticoids are corticosteroids, but not all corticosteroids are glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids specifically regulate immune response, stress response, and metabolism, while corticosteroids have a broader range of functions that include mineralocorticoid and androgen-related activities.
- Steroid vs Corticosteroid
- Glucocorticoid vs Mineralocorticoid
- Cortisone vs Cortisol (Hydrocortisone)
- Cortisone vs Hydrocortisone
- Prednisone vs Prednisolone
- Triamcinolone vs Hydrocortisone
- Glucoside vs Glycoside
- Cortisol vs Epinephrine
- Catecholamines vs Cortisol
- Sterol vs Steroid
- Hydroquinone vs Hydrocortisone
- Testosterone vs Steroids
- Steroids vs Antibiotics
- Glucosamine vs Glutamine
- Glucagon vs Glycogen
- Insulin vs Glucagon
- Fluticasone Furoate vs Fluticasone Propionate
- Progestin vs Progesterone
- Glucosamine Sulfate vs Glucosamine Hydrochloride