Cortisone, << KAWR tuh zohn, >> is one of an important group of hormones made in the cortex (outer part) of the adrenal glands. These compounds, called corticosteroids, are essential for life. They play an important part in regulating salt and sugar balances in the body. These compounds help the body adjust to environmental changes and other kinds of stress.
Scientists synthetically produce corticosteroids for use as drugs. The drugs effectively reduce inflammation. Physicians use them in treating arthritis, some kinds of cancer, eye and skin disorders, and many other diseases. Patients who undergo a transplant operation may receive corticosteroids. The drugs lower the body’s natural immune defenses and help it accept the transplanted organ. Doctors also prescribe the drugs for people whose glands produce too little of the natural compounds.
Cortisone and other corticosteroids can cause serious–even fatal–side effects and thus must be used carefully. Side effects include swelling of body tissues, changes in behavior, ulcers, weakness of the bones and muscles, and an increased probability of developing infections. Prolonged treatment may also cause the adrenal glands to temporarily stop producing natural corticosteroids. In such cases, withdrawal from the drugs must take place gradually to allow the glands to recover.
Biochemists isolated and determined the chemical structure of cortisone and many other corticosteroids during the 1930’s and 1940’s. In 1948, cortisone became the first of these compounds to be used as a drug on human patients.
