Vocabulary: Journal #13

 

Journal #13: Vocabulary

Glucocorticoid 

A corticosteroid is a type of compound that belongs to the corticosteroid family (steroids). Glucocorticoids contain anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and they alter metabolism. They can be created naturally (hormones) or synthetically (drugs).

Autocrine signaling

Autocrine signaling occurs when a cell secretes a hormone or chemical messenger that binds to autocrine receptors on the same cell, causing the cell to alter.

Agonist

When a chemical is coupled with a receptor, it causes a physiological response.

Eicosanoids 

Eicosanoids are signaling molecules produced by the enzymatic or non-enzymatic oxidation of arachidonic acid or other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).