Endocrine Abstracts

Gram negative bacterial meningitis with consequent meningeal inflammation is a major cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Meningitis denotes infection of the blood brain barrier (BBB) including the choroid plexus (CP), the site of secretion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We propose that 1α 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α25-(OH)2D3), an important immunomodulator, may suppress CP inflammation thereby reducing morbidity. We aimed to assess ...

Ocular and orbital tissues are extremely susceptible to damage by immune-mediated inflammatory conditions, such as thyroid-associated-ophthalmopathy (TAO). Recent studies have implicated fibroblasts in the development of chronic inflammation. Once activated by inflammatory cytokines, fibroblasts secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines perpetuating the inflammatory process, causing significant tissue damage. Synovial fibroblasts have been reported to regulate inflammation by increas...

The pre-receptor regulation of glucocorticoids is mediated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSD). The type 1 isoform is primarily responsible for the generation of active cortisol in tissues such as liver and adipose, whereas 11β-HSD2 regulates sodium and ion transport. Recently, we have shown the presence of functional 11β-HSD1 in the ciliary body of the eye where it is important in control of sodium transport, aqueous humour production and intrao...

Orbital fat (OF) represents a highly specialised adipose tissue depot that occupies a confined space behind the eyeball known as the orbit. OF fills most of the orbital cavity providing support to the delicate structures that link the eye to the brain, and protects against sight-threatening mechanical and inflammatory trauma. Subcutaneous (SC) and omental (OM) adipose tissues are highly active endocrine organs, regulated in part by glucocorticoids (GCs). The pre-receptor regul...