Rabbit anti-General Cortisol mAb(CAP) (RMK0182)

Cortisol is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex, which is an essential part of the endocrine system. It belongs to the class of hormones known as glucocorticoids, which play a critical role in regulating various physiological processes in response to stress, hence its common nickname as the "stress hormone."In humans and most mammals (except rats), cortisol is predominantly produced in the zona fasciculata layer of the adrenal gland. The synthesis of cortisol starts from cholesterol and involves a series of enzymatic conversions under the regulation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Cortisol levels in circulation are typically around 400 nanomoles per liter, with the majority (approximately 96%) bound to proteins such as corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) and albumin, leaving only a small fraction (about 3.9%) as free cortisol, which is biologically active. Cortisol exerts significant influence on carbohydrate metabolism, promoting gluconeogenesis and increasing blood glucose levels during periods of fasting or stress. It also affects protein metabolism by stimulating proteolysis and inhibiting protein synthesis, and it modulates lipid metabolism, contributing to the redistribution of fat deposits. Additionally, cortisol has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, which help to regulate immune responses. Moreover, cortisol plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by participating in the body's response to illness, injury, and other forms of physical or emotional stress. Its diurnal rhythm is characterized by a peak in the early morning and a gradual decrease throughout the day, aligning with the body's wake-sleep cycle. Synthetic cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is used in medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including inflammation, allergies, autoimmune disorders, and as replacement therapy for individuals with adrenal insufficiency.