BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ADRENOCORTICOIDS Modulation of carbohydrate metabolism -Glucocorticoids increases levels of glycogen in the liver and circulating glucose early effects stimulate immune system prolonged secretion leads to immune suppression and cell death basal rhythmic secretion increased during periods of stress Modulation of water balance, promotion of Nat/K transport -Mineralocorticoids promotes Nat uptake in tubular epithelial cells modulates K+ ion transport control of water reabsorption secreted only during periods of stress Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors have been discovered and each class of compound can interact with each receptor Secretion of cortisol during stress is essential for liBIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF ADRENOCORTICOIDS Modulation of carbohydrate metabolism - Glucocorticoids increases levels of glycogen in the liver and circulating glucose early effects stimulate immune system prolonged secretion leads to immune suppression and cell death basal rhythmic secretion increased during periods of stress Modulation of water balance, promotion of Na+ / K+ transport - Mineralocorticoids promotes Na+ uptake in tubular epithelial cells modulates K+ ion transport control of water reabsorption secreted only during periods of stress Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors have been discovered and each class of compound can interact with each receptor Secretion of cortisol during stress is essential for life