Hydrocortisone Flashcards
What is hydrocortisone?
A glucocorticoid nuclear receptor agonist
how does hydrocorisone work
binds to the cortisol receptor forming a receptor-ligand complex, which translocates to the nucleus, binds to glucocorticoid response elements (GRE) in the promoter region of the target genes, causing the increase in their expression
what are corticosteriods thought to cause
cause the expression of lipocortins, which inhibit phospholipase A2, thereby reducing arachidonic acid synthesis and production of inflammatory mediators
what do corticosteroids do to the immune system and why?
the immune system is suppressed by corticosteroids due to a decrease in the function of the lymphatic system, a reduction in immunoglobulin and complement concentrations, the precipitation of lymphocytopenia, and interference with antigen-antibody binding.
