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Cortisol (hydrocortisone, compound F) is the most potent glucocorticoid synthesized from cholesterol. Cortisol is found inthe blood either as free Cortisol, or bound to corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG). Cortisol production has an ACTHdependent circadian rhythm with peak levels in the early morning and a nadir at night. The factors controlling thiscircadian rhythm are not completely defined. saliva levels are highest in the early morning and decrease throughout theday. In the metabolic aspect, Cortisol promotes gluconeogenesis, liver glycogen deposition, and the reduction of glucoseutilization. Immunologically, Cortisol functions as an important anti inflammatory, and plays a role in hypersensitivity,immunosuppression, and disease resistance. It has also been shown that plasma Cortisol levels elevate in response tostress. Abnormal Cortisol levels are seen with a variety of different conditions: with adrenal tumors, prostate cancer,depression, and schizophrenia. Elevated Cortisol levels and lack of diurnal variation have been identified in patients withCushing's disease