Final answer:
Glucocorticoid steroids have four major actions: stimulation of glucose and gluconeogenesis, promotion of fatty acid release, suppression of the immune system, and regulation of gene expression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glucocorticoid steroids have four major actions:
- Stimulation of glucose and gluconeogenesis by liver cells, which increases blood glucose levels.
- Promotion of the release of fatty acids from adipose tissue, providing an alternative energy source to glucose.
- Suppression of the immune system, resulting in potent anti-inflammatory effects.
- Regulation of gene expression, controlling processes such as sexual development and reproductive cycling.