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Published on: August 14, 2012
Cytopathological changes associated with continuous and intermittent exposure to glucocorticoids using raw cell line
Audwin Fletcher1, Hamed Benghuzzi, Michelle Tucci
1School of Health Related Professions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, USA.
Abstract:
In a world of pathogens, the ability to detect an incipient infection and to respond rapidly and appropriately to it, is a decisive part of our survival strategy. The innate immune system provides the first response to an infection by initiating an inflammatory response. The monocyte surface of the molecule CD14 is a key element in this response system. Over activation of the inflammatory response can lead to systemic inflammation and septic shock. Glucocorticoids are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents that act on many cells of the body, including monocytes/macrophages. The specific aim of this investigation was to compare the role of conventional versus sustained delivery of Cortisol on the viability and morphology of RAW 264.7 macrophages. RAW cells were obtained from American Type Culture Collection. Standard laboratory protocols were followed in cell plating (10(4) cells/well), phase terminating, and morphological evaluation. The experimental design consisted of two phases. Each phase had non-treated control groups and experimental groups. The results of this investigation yielded that: (i) TCP drug delivery system was capable of providing sustained and continuous release of Cortisol as evidenced by survival of cells in all experimental wells, and (ii) regardless of the Cortisol concentration, RAW cells were viable throughout the experimental periods. Overall, the results of this study provide a comparative analysis of the modes of actions of steriods; and, the results document the effects of the susceptibility of infection based on route.
Insights
Sustained Cortisol delivery using a TCP system maintained RAW 264.7 macrophage viability, unlike conventional methods. This finding is crucial for understanding immune response and infection susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The innate immune system's rapid response to infection involves inflammatory processes, with CD14 on monocytes playing a key role.
- Overactive inflammation can lead to severe conditions like septic shock.
- Glucocorticoids, such as Cortisol, are anti-inflammatory agents affecting immune cells like macrophages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of conventional versus sustained Cortisol delivery on RAW 264.7 macrophage viability and morphology.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a TCP drug delivery system for sustained Cortisol release.
Main Methods:
- RAW 264.7 macrophages were cultured using standard laboratory protocols.
- Cells were divided into control and experimental groups for two phases.
- Morphological evaluation and viability assessments were performed throughout the study.
Main Results:
- The TCP drug delivery system successfully provided sustained and continuous Cortisol release.
- RAW 264.7 macrophages remained viable across all experimental conditions and Cortisol concentrations.
- Cell morphology was maintained throughout the experimental periods.
Conclusions:
- Sustained Cortisol delivery via a TCP system supports macrophage viability.
- This study offers insights into steroid action and infection susceptibility based on drug delivery routes.
