Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
08:36
Fragility Assessment of Bovine Cortical Bone Using Scratch Tests
Published on: November 30, 2017
Diamonds are forever: the cortisone legacy
1The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Centre for Reproductive Biology, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK. s.hillier@ed.ac.uk
The Journal of Endocrinology
|October 4, 2007
Summary
Cortisone, a
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and pharmacology
- Translational medicine
Background:
- The discovery and synthesis of cortisone (compound E) in 1946 marked a pivotal moment in medicine.
- Cortisone's rapid adoption for treating rheumatoid arthritis highlighted its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Endocrinology's development is closely tied to the study of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical timeline of cortisone from its synthesis to current applications.
- To highlight the scientific and clinical impact of cortisone and corticosteroids.
- To emphasize the importance of translational research in endocrinology.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of cortisone's discovery, synthesis, and therapeutic application.
- Survey of basic and clinical studies on glucocorticoid biosynthesis, metabolism, and action.
- Analysis of cortisone's role in inflammation and its intracrine metabolism.
Main Results:
- Cortisone (compound E) was first synthesized in 1946 and successfully used for rheumatoid arthritis by 1948.
- Corticosteroids remain widely used prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
- Intracrine metabolism of cortisone to cortisol via 11beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 may amplify local glucocorticoid action at inflammatory sites.
Conclusions:
- The discovery, synthesis, and application of cortisone exemplify modern translational medicine.
- Endocrinology's continued relevance depends on interdisciplinary collaboration across basic, applied, and clinical sciences.
- The Society for Endocrinology should foster evolution at the science interface to ensure future impact.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:26Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction
Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
01:22Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:23Collar Bearings
Collar bearings are essential in various machines designed to support axial loads on rotating shafts. Depending on the specific application and requirements, they can be found with single or multiple collars.
01:24Healing II: Complications
Complications during healing arise when tissue repair is altered by local or systemic factors. These changes involve abnormal collagen deposition, altered biomechanics, and reduced vascular supply, impairing restoration of normal structure and function.Loss of FunctionScar tissue differs significantly from the original tissue it replaces. In the skin, fibrosis lacks adnexal structures such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Their absence reduces tactile sensitivity, impairs...
01:19Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...