New aspects in mechanisms of action of corticosteroids

In the course of evolution the adaptative mechanism arose, permitting the immune system to develop an immune response in conditions of stress. The mechanism is expressed in the growth of glucocorticosteroid-resistant lymphocyte fraction (GRLF), in the course of infectious and allergic diseases and after administration of antigens (immunization, hyposensitization). In GRLF antigen-binding lymphocytes are concentrated. This allows the conclusion that GRLF is the fraction of immunocompetent cells. A similar increase of GRLF develops in autoimmune (autoallergic) diseases. Treatment of such patients with corticosteroids suppresses inflammation only, but has no effect on the cause of damage--on GRLF. Moreover, treatment with glucocorticoids increases GRLF levels, thereby enhancing tissue damage. Thus, application of glucocorticoids, at the same time suppressing inflammation processes, stimulates the development of the autoimmune processes. This leads to formation of glucocorticoid dependence in such patients.