Glucocorticoids Flashcards
Effect of glucocorticoids
Increase BG, inhibit inflammation and immune function
Mechanism of glucocorticoids
Indirectly inhibit phospholipase A2, so arachidonic acid and the both prostaglandins and leukotrienes are not produced
How glucocorticoids inhibit phospholipase A2
Nuclear pathway that promotes production of proteins that inhibit EGFR, as well as a cytoplasmic pathway that activates these proteins
Newly discovered effects of glucocorticoids
Plasma membrane receptor binding
Effect of glucocorticoids on immune system
Inhibit virtually all leukocyte functions
Cushing’s syndrome
Hyperadrenocorticism causing decreased muscle mass, thinning of skin, fat redistribution, osteoporosis
Clinical manifestations of Cushing syndrome
Muscle wasting, buffalo hump, moon face, cardiac hyper trophy, increased facial hair, osteoporosis
Absorption of glucocorticoids
Can take orally, IM, SQ, topically
Distribution of glucocorticoids
Carried by CBG
Metabolism of glucocorticoids
Some activated in liver like cortisone or prednisone
Excretion of glucocorticoids
Urine and feces
Risk of adverse effects
Related to duration of therapy and dose
Clinical uses of glucocorticoids
Arthritis and hypersensitivities
