Inhibition of microglial nitric oxide production by hydrocortisone and glucocorticoid precursors.

摘要: Viral and bacterial infection in the central nervous system can induce nitric oxide production, which serves as a major host defense against invading microorganisms. Glucocorticoids secretion is enhanced immune responses are diminished stressed animals or patients suffering depression. Using N9 microglial cells, this study tested hypothesis that glucocorticoids their precursors caused an impaired because these compounds could inhibit production. Results indicated both hydrocortisone synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, were potent inhibitors of While glucocorticoid not hydrocortisone, potency increased linearly they advanced on biosynthesis pathway. Northern Western blot analyses dexamethasone might interfere with inducible synthase at either transcription post-translational level, depending concentrations used. These results suggest have ability to block production by microgila, partially explain protection animals.