Corticosteroids as immunomodulators.
Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory and anti-immunologic modulators. They interact with cellular receptors, which eventually leads to modification of DNA transcription. These changes sometimes inhibit cell function and sometimes increase production of cell products. A number of effects are seen throughout the organism, leading to downregulation of allergic responses, inhibition of cell-mediated immunity, decreased accumulation of inflammatory cells, and a lessening of proinflammatory stimuli and blood-vessel responses.
Claman
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Department of Medicine and of Microbiology/Immunology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262.
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects*; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid / Q000032:analysis
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid