Glucocorticoid Effects

Therapeutic: Decrease neutrophil adherence to vascular endothelium; decrease in neutrophil chemotaxis to site of injury or inflammation; suppress T-cell helper function (this is the rationale in use for transplant pts); inhibit synthesis or secretion of inflammatory mediators and cytokines: interleukins (IL-1 by macrophages, IL-2 by T-lymphocytes), prostanoids (leukotrienes), antibody production by B-lymphocytes; suppression of phagocytosis; suppression of bacteriocidal activity (this will increase the risk of infection).

Other: decrease in growth hormone from anterior pituitary; inhibition of somatomedin C activity (results in impaired growth); catalyze conversion of norepinephrine to epinephrine in adrenal medulla; stabilize lysosomal membranes; induce eosinopenia (decreased number of circulating eosinophils); produce reversible atrophy of spleen and thymus.

Category: Pharmacology Notes