Glucocorticoids and Cyclosporine

Question 1

General effects of glucocorticoids

Answer 1

• reduce heat, redness, swelling, and pain
• reduce neutrophil migration, endothelial adherence, and phagocytosis
• decrease collagen synthesis and deposition
• diminish scar tissue formation
• reduce neovascularization

Question 2

Dexamethasone

Answer 2

• very high anti-inflammatory potency

- preferred for short-term therapy because longest action

Question 3

Cortisone

Answer 3

• weak anti-inflammatory potency

Question 4

Hydrocortisone (cortisol)

Answer 4

• weak anti-inflammatory potency
• suppresses inflammation by activating cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors
• preferred for long-term therapy because shortest acting
• produces sodium retention

Question 5

Prednisone

Answer 5

• mild anti-inflammatory potency

- active form (prednisolone) can be injected IV

Question 6

Triamcinolone

Answer 6

• mild anti-inflammatory potency

Question 7

Cyclosporine

Answer 7

• calcineurin inhibitor
• results in inhibition of cytokine expression in Ag-stimulated T cells
• also inhibits mast cells and eosinophils

Question 8

Tacrolimus

Answer 8

• calcineurin inhibitor that is 500-fold more potent than cyclosporine
• administered topically for dermatologic conditions

Question 9

Mifepristone

Answer 9

• inhibits anti-inflammatory steroid action by preventing dissociation of heat shock protein from glucocorticoid receptors