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Appendix V
Cardiovascular Activity of the Glucocorticoids
To the Heart of the Matter
The catabolic Glucocorticoids are produced by the adrenal cortex in response to adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH) release from the anterior pituitary gland. Release of ACTH is
mediated by corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), which is released from the hypothalamus.
Glucocorticoid (particularly cortisol) activity upon the Cardiovascular system:
Sustains myocardial performance
Facilitates the vasoconstrictive activities of the catecholamines and angiotensin II
Decreases the production of the vasodilator prostaglandins and reduces vascular endothelium
permeability.
Increases circulatory cholesterol
Increases circulatory triglyceride
Production of glucocorticoids occurs in response to stress and it has been recognised for nearly a
century that this is a two-way process, as increased glucocorticoid levels can cause mood
disturbances.
Table 3: Cardiovascular Activity of the Glucocorticoids
References: Guyton 1986, Berne et al.1998 & Paulson et al. 1996, Thase & Howland 1995,
Musselmann et al. 1998
Hypothalamus
Corticotropin Releasing
Factor (CRF)
Catacholamines
Vasoconstrictive
activity
Facilitate
Sustain myocardial
performance
Fig. 3: Cardiovascular activity of the glucocorticoids
Pituitary
Adrenocorticotropic
Hormone (ACTH)
Adrenal Cortex
Glucocorticoid production
↓ vasodilator
prostaglandins
References: Guyton (1986), Berne et al. (1998) & Paulson et al. (1996),
Thase & Howland (1995)
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