Extra-adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis in the intestinal epithelium: more than a drop in the ocean?
Glucocorticoids (GC) are lipophilic hormones commonly used as therapeutics in acute and chronic inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease due to their attributed anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive actions. Although the adrenal glands are the major source of endogenous GC, there is increasing evidence for the production of extra-adrenal GC in the brain, thymus, skin, vasculature, and the intestine. However, the physiological relevance of extra-adrenal-produced GC remains still ambiguous. Therefore, this review attracts attention to discuss possible biological benefits of extra-adrenal-synthesized GC, especially focusing on the impact of locally synthesized GC in the regulation of intestinal immune responses.
Noti
Mario
M
Division of Immunopathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Sidler
Daniel
D
Brunner
Thomas
T
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009928:Organ Specificity / Q000276:immunology
D005938:Glucocorticoids