Polarized light micrograph (PLM) of hydrocortisone, also known as cortisol. Hydrocortisone is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. Hydrocortisone helps regulate carbohydrate metabolism, protein metabolism, and maintains blood pressure. It is commonly used as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat inflammation, allergy, asthma, collagen diseases, and neoplastic conditions. Magnification: 10x.