Glucocorticoids cortisol in particular, produce antiinflammatory reactions and suppress the immune response. The middle zone, in adrenal cortex which is the widest of three zones called zona fasciculata is the source for glucocorticoids.
The glucocorticoids as the name suggests affect carbohydrate metabolism and metabolism of proteins and fats. They stimulate gluconeogenesis, lipolysis and proteolysis.
They also inhibit utilization of amino acid and cellular uptake. Cortisol is also called stress hormone as it copes with stress.