Endocrine Abstracts

Although the anti-inflammatory effects of exogenous glucocorticoids (GC) upon inflammation are well recognized, the contribution of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1), an amplifier of GC action in vivo, in modulating endogenous GC action during inflammation is unknown. Mouse models of arthritis and lung inflammation were used to explore the role of 11β-HSD1 in acute and chronic inflammation. Arthritis was induced in 11β-HSD1−/&#...

Inactivating mutations of the POMC gene in humans and mice result in a complex phenotype of hyperphagia, obesity and glucocorticoid (GC) deficiency, but without many features of metabolic syndrome. We have previously shown that replacement of GC in Pomc−/− mice exacerbates their hyperphagia, increases fat mass and elevates plasma leptin and insulin. We have now examined key determinants of glucocorticoid action, including glucocorticoid receptor (...