Glucocorticoids have many varying effects on the body.

• The most critical effect of the glucocorticoids is the stimulation of glucose synthesis and glycogen formation, especially within the liver.

• They stimulate the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue, which can be used as an energy source.

• They decrease the effects of physical and emotional stress, such as fright, bleeding, and infection, since the additional supply of glucose from the liver provides tissues with a ready source of ATP.

• They suppress allergic and inflammatory reactions.

• They decrease and suppress the activities of white blood cells and other components of the immune system.