Final answer:
Cortisol causes the breakdown of muscle proteins into amino acids for energy, which helps maintain homeostasis by ensuring a consistent fuel source during stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cortisol affects muscle cells by stimulating the breakdown of proteins into amino acids, which are then used to synthesize glucose, aiding in long-term energy supply during stress. This process is known as gluconeogenesis and is vital for maintaining homeostasis during prolonged stress by ensuring a consistent energy source.
In the context of muscle cells, cortisol induces the catabolism of muscle proteins, leading to an increased availability of amino acids in the bloodstream. These amino acids can then become substrates for gluconeogenesis in the liver, or they can be used directly by other tissues for energy production, thus helping to maintain the body's fuel homeostasis.
However, prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol can lead to muscle wasting effects, as the balance between muscle protein synthesis and degradation shifts toward the latter. This is an example of how the body attempts to maintain energy homeostasis in the face of long-term stress but can also have detrimental effects on muscle tissue integrity and function if the stress is chronic.