The corticoids, which are involved in carbohydrate metabolism, are called glucocorticoids and are released from zona fasciculata. In our body, cortisol is the main glucocorticoid. Glucocorticoids stimulate gluconeogenesis, lipolysis, and proteolysis; and inhibit cellular uptake and utilization of amino acids. Cortisol is also involved in maintaining the cardiovascular system as well as the kidney functions. Glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol, produce anti-inflammatory reactions and suppress the immune response. Cortisol stimulates RBC production.
Insulin acts mainly on hepatocytes and adipocytes (cells of adipose tissue) and is a hypoglycemic hormone, whereas glucagon is a hyperglycemic hormone.