Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids - Related Videos
08:02
Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
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Cited by 6 •
2016
Adrenal activity can be assessed in the equine species by analysis of feces for corticosterone metabolites. The method offers a non-invasive option to assess long term patterns in both domestic and free ranging horses. This protocol describes the enzyme linked immunoassay involved and the associated biochemical validation.
01:25
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
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2024
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation. ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:21
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
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2024
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
13:22
A Chemical Screening Procedure for Glucocorticoid Signaling with a Zebrafish Larva Luciferase Reporter System
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Cited by 11 •
2013
We describe the procedure and data analysis of a chemical screening system for glucocorticoid stress hormone signaling using zebrafish larvae: the Glucocorticoid Responsive In vivo Zebrafish Luciferase activitY (GRIZLY) assay. The assay sensitively and specifically detects effects on glucocorticoid signaling by compounds that require metabolization or affect endogenous glucocorticoid production.
01:37
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
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2019
The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor. What Happens During Stress In response to stress, the neurons in the hypothalamus release...
FAQs
Binding activates the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor, allowing the hormone-receptor complex to act in the nucleus as a transcriptional regulator. By influencing genes associated with inflammation and energy use, this pathway converts a hormonal signal into coordinated changes in cell activity. The resulting effects connect molecular signaling with whole-body physiological responses.
Glucocorticoid response elements provide DNA sites through which the hormone-receptor complex influences transcription. Their activity helps determine which target genes respond to glucocorticoid signaling, linking receptor activation to changes in inflammatory control and metabolism. This genomic step explains how a circulating hormone can produce sustained alterations in cellular function.
The same signaling system regulates distinct groups of genes involved in immune responses and energy use. Consequently, glucocorticoids can coordinate stress adaptation with changes in inflammation and metabolism rather than acting on only one physiological process. This broad gene-level influence also helps explain why their effects extend across multiple tissues and biological systems.
Endogenous glucocorticoids, including cortisol, are produced by the adrenal cortex and participate in normal physiology, especially stress responses. Synthetic glucocorticoids are designed for therapeutic use in inflammatory, allergic, and immune-mediated disorders. Both act through glucocorticoid signaling, but their contexts differ: one supports endogenous regulation, while the other is administered to modify disease-related processes.
Synthetic glucocorticoids are used when inflammation, allergic reactions, or immune-mediated activity contributes to disease. Their value comes from altering gene transcription through glucocorticoid receptors, which can reduce excessive inflammatory or immune activity. Studying this treatment context also helps researchers connect receptor-level mechanisms with therapeutic effects in inflammatory and immune-related disorders.
The broad biological reach of glucocorticoid signaling creates important trade-offs. Although altered gene transcription can provide anti-inflammatory and immune-modifying benefits, glucocorticoid activity may also impair immune function and disrupt metabolism. These outcomes are relevant when assessing treatment because the same pathway that produces clinical benefits can influence normal physiological processes beyond the original disease target.