Steroids Flashcards
Where do steroids bind to ?
Glucocorticoid receptors found on all cells
What is the action of a steroid determined by?
Whether the DNA transcription factor, for that specific area, causes suppression or expression of the gene
What is a transcription factor?
A sequence of nucleotides within a gene that regulates expression or suppression on the concurrent gene.
Where do most of the issues surrounding glucocorticoids come from?
They activate mineralocorticoid receptors
What are side affects of glucocorticoids we want to avoid?
Poor wound healing
Thinning of the Skin
How can we avoid the side affects of glucocorticoids ?
Use of spironolactone with glucocorticoids
- reduces side affects and increases wound healing
What is glucocorticoid receptor activation in the brain related to?
Reward
What clinical use can GR blockers have?
Usage in alcoholism to reduce cravings
Example of of glucocorticoid receptor blocker used ?
Morning after pill
