Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex and belongs to the glucocorticoid group. Its production and secretion are stimulated by ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). In the blood, 90% of it occurs in bound form; only about ten percent circulates freely. It is excreted by the kidneys.
Its main effects include gluconeogenesis (new formation of glucose from non-carbohydrates (lactate, glycogenic amino acids, intermediates of the citric acid cycle, glycerol)), immunosuppression but also effects on lipid metabolism (promotion of the lipolytic effect of adrenaline and noradrenaline) and protein turnover (catabolic; breakdown of protein/muscle). It has antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory) and immunosuppressive effects.
The procedure
Material needed
- 24h collection urine
Preparation of the patient
- 24h collection urine
Interfering factors
- None known
Standard values
| Age | Normal values in μg/die |
| Children up to 10 years of age | 2-27 |
| Children 11-20 years old | 5-55 |
| Adults | 7,3-23,5 |
Indications
- Suspected hypercortisolism (hypercortisolism; excess of cortisol).
Interpretation
Interpretation of increased values
- Cushing’s disease – clinical picture caused by an excess of glucocorticoids (hypercortisolism) (clarification required as to whether primary or secondary; see ACTH for details).
Interpretation of decreased values
- Not clinically relevant
Notes
- If test results are unclear, perform a dexamethasone short test
