Cortisol

Cortisol is the most abundant circulating steroid and the major glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex. Cortisol is physiologically effective in blood pressure maintenance and anti-inflammatory activity. It is also involved in calcium absorption, gluconeogenesis as well as the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin. Measurement of blood cortisol levels can be used as an indicator of adrenal function and the differential diagnosis of Addison's and Cushing's diseases as well as adrenal hyperplasia and carcinoma.