Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Cortisol and immunity.

W M Jefferies

    Medical Hypotheses
    |March 1, 1991
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Physiologic cortisol levels are crucial for normal immunity, unlike high pharmacologic doses. Understanding this difference is key, especially with synthetic glucocorticoids and immune system feedback loops.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    (Carcinoma of thyroid gland, giant-cell type).

    The New England journal of medicine·2010
    Same author

    The etiology of rheumatoid arthritis.

    Medical hypotheses·1999
    Same author

    Low plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone in patients with acute influenza.

    Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America·1998
    Same author

    Mild adrenocortical deficiency, chronic allergies, autoimmune disorders and the chronic fatigue syndrome: a continuation of the cortisone story.

    Medical hypotheses·1994
    Same author

    Glucocorticoid therapy.

    American journal of obstetrics and gynecology·1982
    Same author

    Influenza-related morbidity and mortality.

    Archives of internal medicine·1982
    Same journal

    Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide-Induced Central Sensitization: A Hypothesis for Long COVID Symptoms.

    Medical hypotheses·2026
    Same journal

    Subclinical mastitis during lactation: a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer?

    Medical hypotheses·2025
    Same journal

    The Role of Hemispheric Sensory Shifts: Impacts on Stretch Reflex and Motor Plasticity Post-Stroke.

    Medical hypotheses·2025
    Same journal

    Neuron-Targeted Exosome Therapy: A Novel Approach for Treating Cardiogenic Dementia via RyR2 Inhibition.

    Medical hypotheses·2025
    Same journal

    How the Somatosensory System Adapts to the Motor Change in Stroke: A Hemispheric Shift?

    Medical hypotheses·2024
    Same journal

    Unstable Plaque is a Treatable Cause of Cognitive Decline.

    Medical hypotheses·2024
    See all related articles

    Area of Science:

    • Endocrinology
    • Immunology
    • Adrenocortical Function

    Background:

    • The adrenal cortex produces cortisol, a key glucocorticoid.
    • Cortisol plays a vital role in immune system development and maintenance.
    • Distinguishing between physiologic and pharmacologic glucocorticoid effects is essential.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review evidence on the necessity of physiologic cortisol for immunity.
    • To discuss the confusion arising from synthetic glucocorticoids and stress responses.
    • To highlight the need for further research into cortisol's beneficial effects on human immunity.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing scientific evidence.
    • Discussion of the differential effects of physiologic versus pharmacologic glucocorticoid dosages.

    Related Experiment Videos

  • Consideration of synthetic glucocorticoid derivatives and the dynamic nature of adrenocortical response.

    • Main Results:

    • Physiologic cortisol amounts are necessary for normal immune function.
    • Pharmacologic glucocorticoid dosages have detrimental effects on immunity.
    • Confusion exists due to synthetic derivatives and variable stress responses.

    Conclusions:

    • Further research is needed on cortisol's beneficial immune effects in humans.
    • Understanding the immune system-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis feedback is critical.
    • Impaired immunity is linked to autoimmune disorders, malignancies, and AIDS.