Hydrocortisone
. Hydrocortisone, also cortisol, common names for 17-hydroxy-corticosterone, the principal hormone secreted by the outer layer, or cortex, of the adrenal gland . Hydrocortisone affects the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, and fat; the maturation of white blood cells; the retention of salt and water in the body; the activity of the nervous system; and the regulation of blood pressure. Secretion of hydrocortisone from the adrenal cortex is stimulated by the pituitary hormone ACTH. Because of their widespread effects, hydrocortisone and related compounds, called corticosteroids, or corticoids, are employed for many medical purposes. They are used to treat a deficiency of adrenal cortical hormones, a condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia, rheumatoid disease that is not helped by milder drugs, and to counter severe non-infectious inflammations. Corticosteroids suppress the immune response, so they are used to increase acceptance of transplants ( Medical Transplantation ). Othe