Q.49 Which of the following statements about cortisol are correct?
(A). It decreases the circulating lymphocytes.
(B). It increases the circulating eosinophils.
(C). It decreases the production of prostaglandins
(D). It inhibits the production of fibroblasts
(E). It alters immune system responses and suppresses the digestive and the reproductive systems.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
1. (A), (B) and (D) only.
2. (B), (C) and (D) only.
3. (A), (C), (D) and (E) only.
4. (A), (B), (C) and (E) only.
Cortisol Effects: Correct Statements Identified
Cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone, profoundly impacts immunity and physiology, with option 3: (A), (C), (D), and (E) only being correct.
Cortisol Physiology Basics
Cortisol, released by adrenal cortex under ACTH stimulation, regulates stress responses, metabolism, and immunosuppression.
It binds glucocorticoid receptors to modulate gene expression, suppressing inflammation while altering blood cell distribution.
Key effects include lymphopenia and anti-fibrotic actions, vital for understanding its therapeutic and pathological roles.
Correct Statements Breakdown
Option 3 accurately captures verified cortisol actions: (A), (C), (D), (E).
| Statement | Effect Description | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| (A) Decreases circulating lymphocytes | Causes lymphopenia via redistribution to lymph nodes/spleen and apoptosis. | Reduces T/B cell numbers in blood |
| (C) Decreases prostaglandin production | Inhibits phospholipase A2 and COX-2, blocking arachidonic acid pathway. | Potent anti-inflammatory via reduced PGE2 |
| (D) Inhibits fibroblast production | Suppresses fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. | Prevents excessive scarring/fibrosis |
| (E) Alters immune responses, suppresses digestive/reproductive systems | Shifts immunity to Th2, inhibits immunity; raises blood sugar, reduces gut motility/reproduction. | Broad catabolic/stress adaptation |
Incorrect Statement
(B) Increases circulating eosinophils is false—cortisol decreases eosinophils via apoptosis and margination, contributing to eosinopenia in stress/Cushing’s.
Option Explanations
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Option 1 (A, B, D): Wrong—inaccurate on (B), as cortisol reduces eosinophils.
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Option 2 (B, C, D): Wrong—(B) reversed; cortisol eosinopenic.
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Option 3 (A, C, D, E): Correct—aligns with glucocorticoid pharmacology/physiology.
-
Option 4 (A, B, C, E): Wrong—includes false (B).
These effects explain cortisol’s use in autoimmune diseases but risk of immunosuppression with chronic elevation, key for NEET/USMLE prep.
