Cortisone

Cortisone, one of the group of hormones secreted by the cortex of the adrenal glands. Cortisone was first isolated in 1935 and synthesized in 1944. It proved to be of immense value in treating diseases caused by malfunctioning of the adrenal cortex, such as Addison's disease, and in the treatment of arthritis, some forms of allergy, leukemia, and many other diseases. However, cortisone and the closely related hydrocortisone have undesirable side effects. As a result the drug is used with caution or replaced by a synthetic substitute. The secretion of cortisone is controlled by ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which is itself secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

See also: Hormone.