Glucocorticoids (GCs) are known inhibitors of wound healing. In this study we report the
novel finding that both keratinocytes in vitro and epidermis in vivo synthesize cortisol and
how this synthesis regulates wound healing. We show that epidermis expresses enzymes
essential for cortisol synthesis, including steroid 11 β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1), and an
enzyme that controls negative feedback mechanism, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2
(11βHSD2). We also found that cortisol synthesis in keratinocytes and skin can be …