An inflammatory review of glucocorticoid actions in the CNS.
In recent years, the classic view that glucocorticoids, the adrenal steroids secreted during stress, are universally anti-inflammatory has been challenged at a variety of levels. It was first observed that under some circumstances, acute GC exposure could have pro-inflammatory effects on the peripheral immune response. More recently, chronic exposure to GCs has been found to have pro-inflammatory effects on the specialized immune response to injury in the central nervous system. Here we review the evidence that in some cases, glucocorticoids can increase pro-inflammatory cell migration, cytokine production, and even transcription factor activity in the brain. We consider how these unexpected effects of glucocorticoids can co-exist with their well-established anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the considerable clinical implications of these findings.
Sorrells
Shawn F
SF
Department of Biological Sciences, Stanford University, Gilbert Lab MC 5020, Stanford, CA 94305-5020, USA. sfs11@stanford.edu
Sapolsky
Robert M
RM
D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D005938:Glucocorticoids