Question

what is the reason that glucocorticoids are anti inflammtory in nature ?

Answer 1

Okay, so actually at the time of inflammation, following things happen: 1.Damaged cells secrete some attracting factors like chemokines, cytokines etc, which attract & bind to the WBCs to the site of inflammation. After they reach and destroy all the pathogens, now this action has to be suppressed, because the job is done & WBC are no longer required at the site. 2. So, in response to that, over inflammation, anterior pituitary releases ACTH, which then acts on cortex of adrenal glands which then releases the glucocorticoids. They, then suppress the receptor of cytokines and chemokines on WBC. WBC are not attracted to the site anymore and the blood flow is normalised. Now, this thing was picked by the scientist, and whenever there are chances of inflammation like in surgeries or transplants, they are used as immunosuppressants. eg Cortisol