This timely volume provides a comprehensive overview of glucocorticoids and their role in regulating many aspects of physiology and their use in the treatment of disease. The book is broken into four sections that begin by giving a general introduction to glucocorticoids and a brief history of the field. The second section will discuss the effects of glucocorticoids on metabolism, while the third section will cover the effects of glucocorticoids on key tissues. The final section will discuss general topics, such as animal models in glucocorticoid research and clinical implications of glucocorticoid research. Featuring chapters from leaders in the field, this volume will be of interest to both researchers and clinicians.

Fills a need in the market for comprehensive coverage on glucocorticoids

Section I: Introductory Materials.- Regulatory actions of glucocorticoid hormones: from organisms to mechanisms.- Molecular Biology of Glucocorticoid Signaling.-Mechanisms of Glucocorticoid-regulated Gene Transcription.- Clinical Perspective: What do Addison and Cushing tell us about Glucocorticoid Action?.- Section II: Effects of Glucocorticoids in Metabolism.- Regulation of Glucose Homeostasis by Glucocorticoids.- How do Glucocorticoids Regulate Lipid Metabolism?.- Glucocorticoids and Skeletal Muscle.- Section III: Specific Effects of Glucocorticoids on Tissues.- Glucocorticoid- induced osteoporosis.- Effects of Glucocorticoids on Immune System.- Glucocorticoids and the brain: neural mechanisms regulating the stress response.- Glucocorticoid Regulation of Reproduction.- Glucocorticoids and the lung.- Glucocorticoids and the Cardiovascular System.- Glucocorticoids and Cancer.- Section IV: Miscellaneous Topics.- Animal Models of Altered Glucocorticoid Signaling.- The Dehydrogenase Hypothesis.- Conclusions and Future Directions