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Cortisol Signaling

Meaning

Cortisol signaling refers to the complex biochemical process by which the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol transmits information from the adrenal cortex to target cells throughout the body, mediating its wide-ranging physiological effects. This signaling pathway is central to the body’s stress response, metabolism, immune function, and regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. The integrity of this signaling is paramount for maintaining systemic homeostasis and adapting to environmental challenges. Aberrations in cortisol signaling, whether due to excess or deficiency, lead to significant clinical pathology.