glucocorticoids
Last reviewed 01/2018
The glucocorticoids are a subgroup of the corticosteroids with a range of vital hormonal functions. They can be divided into naturally-occurring and synthetic groups. The latter are important as therapeutic agents.
Their structure is based around the steroid nucleus with substitution of side groups to give varying degrees of glucocorticoid, as opposed to mineralocorticoid, activity. For example, hydroxylation at the C16 position reduces mineralocorticoid activity.