[Glucocorticoid receptors in physiological states and in extreme conditions]

This review discusses glucocorticoid hormone--receptor interaction in the animal and human organism in the normal, extreme (stress, radiation, head-down tilt, etc.) and pathological situations. Particular attention is given to advanced lines of research into glucocorticoid receptors within the framework of space biology and medicine. It is stressed that the data about glucocorticoid receptors may form the key that can help better understanding of changes induced by exposure to the space environment.