Corticosteroid & Respiratory Systems Flashcards
what are the arachidonic acid pathway
how are corticosteroids produced
synthesized and released as required –> no storage needed
what is endogenous control of corticosteroids
hippocampus <——> amygdala
hypothalamus –> corticotropin releasing hormone –> pituitary –> adrenocorticotropic hormone –> adrenals –> cortisol
what are exogenous corticosteroids useful for
treating symptoms of conditions
but do not treat underlying cause
what is the mechanism of action of corticosteroids (5)
- binding of steroid hormone to receptor
- translocation of steroid-receptor complex to nucleus
- binding of complex to DNA regulatory site
- transcription
- translocation
what is the structure of corticosteroids
basic structure is: 3 hexane rings and a pentone ring
what are examples of proteins whose synthesis is induced by glucocorticoids
- angiotensin converting enzyme
- B2-adrenoceptro
- lipocortin 1 (inhibits phospholipase)
what are examples of protein synthesis is inhibited by glucocorticoids
- cytokines
- cyclo-oxygenase
- collagenase
- inducible NOS
what are mechanism of action of glucocorticoids
- metabolic effects and systemic effects –> normal physiological actions
- anti-inflammatory effects and immune suppressive effects –> pharmacological actions
physiological function –> anti-inflammatory activity –> immunosuppression –> cytotoxicty
what are the duration of action of corticosteroids
different glucocorticoids have different inherent durations of action
prenisolone, prednisone, methylprednisolone are short acting (<24 hours)
dexamethasone, betamethasone, triamcinolone are all long acting (>24 hours)
what are water soluble salts ideal for and why
ideal for IV
readily absorbed and eliminated within 8-24hrs
high concentrations, rapidly
what are examples of water soluble salts
sodium phosphate salts and soluble esters (succinate)
ex. betamethasone sodium phosphate (betsolan soluble), dexamethasone (axium, colvasone, dexadreson)
what are insoluble esters useful for
more sustained therapy
what are examples of insoluble esters
acetate, adamantoate, diproprionate, pivalate, phenylproprionate, isonicotinate, adamantoate
dexamethasone isonicotinate (voren 14)
methylprednisolone acetate (depo-medrone V)
what are the general principles of corticosteroid therapy (5)
- minimal mineralocorticoid activity preferred
- use a low dose
- withdraw treatment gradually
- long acting compounds greater risk of toxicity
- treat underlying cause of problem