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Related Concept Videos

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing 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...
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands01:17

Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing 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...
Cells of the Epidermis01:24

Cells of the Epidermis

The epidermis is made of four or five layers of epithelial cells, depending on its location in the body. From deep to superficial, these layers are the stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum, and stratum corneum.
The cells in all these layers except the stratum basale are called keratinocytes, a type of cell that manufactures and stores the protein keratin. The keratinocytes in the stratum corneum are dead and regularly slough away, being replaced by cells from...

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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
04:33

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions

Published on: March 12, 2019

Keratinocytes synthesize and activate cortisol.

Nicola Cirillo1, Stephen S Prime

  • 1Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol BS1 2LY, UK. n.cirillo@bristol.ac.uk

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|February 24, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Human epidermal cells can produce cortisol, a crucial steroid hormone. This discovery reveals a new non-adrenal system in skin cells, impacting inflammatory diseases and wound healing.

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Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands
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Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands

Published on: October 2, 2018

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Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions
04:33

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions

Published on: March 12, 2019

Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands
08:37

Isolation, Fixation, and Immunofluorescence Imaging of Mouse Adrenal Glands

Published on: October 2, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Cortisol bioavailability in epidermal cells is critical for inflammatory skin conditions and wound healing.
  • The capacity of skin cells to regulate local cortisol levels and produce glucocorticoids remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether human epidermal cells possess the machinery to produce endogenous cortisol.
  • To determine if keratinocytes can regulate cortisol bioavailability and respond to hormonal stimulation.

Main Methods:

  • Microarray analysis to identify relevant enzyme gene expression in epidermal cells.
  • Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to confirm protein expression of key enzymes.
  • Functional assays including cortisone-to-cortisol conversion and ACTH stimulation experiments.

Main Results:

  • Epidermal cells express mRNA for enzymes in the cholesterol-to-cortisol pathway, including HSD11B1, HSD11B2, MC2R, and glucocorticoid receptor.
  • HSD11B1 and HSD11B2 proteins are present in keratinocytes and skin samples.
  • Keratinocytes activate cortisone to cortisol and demonstrate altered steroid bioavailability upon HSD11B enzyme silencing.
  • Keratinocytes increase cortisol synthesis in response to ACTH stimulation.

Conclusions:

  • Human keratinocytes possess a functional non-adrenal system for cortisol metabolism and synthesis.
  • This finding establishes a novel intrinsic glucocorticoid system within the skin.
  • Understanding this system may offer new therapeutic targets for skin diseases and wound repair.