Extra-adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis in the intestinal epithelium: more than a drop in the ocean?
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
19495759
Abstract
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.
Date Issued
2009
Publication Type
Article
Language(s)
en
Additional Credits
Journal
Seminars in immunopathology
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
ISSN
1863-2297
ISBN
19495759
Access(Rights)
open.access