Cortisol and immune response

[Aclamity]

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If cortisol is anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive, why is it released when we incur a stress (read: infection)? Does it somehow HELP the immune system in low amounts or what?

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I know I'm missing some critical piece of the puzzle here

 

[rollelephants]

if i recall correctly, it is an anti-inflammatory because it inhibits phospholipaseA2 --> no prostaglandins, also i think it decreases histamine. By another mechanism, it inhibits some interleukins to block t-cell proliferation --> immunosuppressant. It's released during stress for its diabetogenic reasons, ensuring there's enough energy for a fight or flight response for example. Hope that helps.

 

[turkeyjerky]

If cortisol is anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive, why is it released when we incur a stress (read: infection)? Does it somehow HELP the immune system in low amounts or what?

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I know I'm missing some critical piece of the puzzle here

Without the immunomodulatory effects of cortisol, the unchecked immune response would kill you within a few days.