Glucocorticoid hormones are both a major circadian signal and major stress signal: How this shared signal contributes to a dynamic relationship between the circadian and stress systems

Glucocorticoid hormones play a crucial role in regulating almost every cell and system in the body.

• Glucocorticoids are secreted in a circadian rhythm, influencing target cell function daily.
• The peak secretion of glucocorticoids serves as a timing signal for cellular molecular clocks.
• Stress triggers additional glucocorticoid release, affecting cellular responses to physiological and psychological challenges.
• There are significant interrelationships between glucocorticoids and the circadian system that help optimize stress responses.
• The dual role of glucocorticoids may have clinical implications for disorders related to circadian rhythm and the HPA axis.

AI simplified