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Glucocorticoid receptor subunit expression in adenotonsillar tissue of children with obstructive sleep apnea

Aviv D Goldbart1, Maria C Veling, Julie L Goldman

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kosair Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Louisville, 570 South Preston Street, Suite 321, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.

Pediatric Research
|December 22, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Glucocorticoid receptors (GCR) are present in children's adenotonsillar tissue. Higher GCR-alpha expression in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients suggests topical steroid therapy may benefit these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A) is common for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
  • Topical steroid therapy may benefit children with OSA symptoms not meeting T&A criteria.
  • Glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) expression in adenoid and tonsil tissue is uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the expression patterns of human GCR isoforms in pediatric adenotonsillar tissues.
  • To determine if GCR expression differs between children with OSA and those with recurrent throat infections (RI).

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to analyze GCR-alpha and GCR-beta expression.
  • Adenotonsillar tissues from 36 children (OSA or RI) were analyzed.
  • Specific primers and antibodies were employed for GCR isoforms.

Main Results:

  • Both GCR-alpha and GCR-beta mRNA were detected in all adenotonsillar tissues, with GCR-alpha being more abundant.
  • GCR-alpha mRNA expression was significantly higher in tissues from children with OSA compared to RI.
  • Protein expression analysis confirmed higher GCR-alpha levels in OSA patients, with distinct topographic distribution patterns for both GCR isoforms.

Conclusions:

  • Glucocorticoid receptors (GCR-alpha and GCR-beta) are expressed in pediatric adenotonsillar tissues.
  • Increased GCR-alpha expression in OSA patients suggests potential efficacy of topical steroid treatment.
  • The high GCR-alpha to GCR-beta ratio supports topical steroid therapy for children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and snoring.

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