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Glucocorticoid blockade reverses psychological stress-induced abnormalities in epidermal structure and function
Eung-Ho Choi1, Marianne Demerjian, Debra Crumrine
1Dermatology and Medical Services (Metabolism Section), Veteran Affairs Medical Center, 111F 4150 Clement St., San Francisco, CA 94121, USA.
Summary
Psychological stress negatively impacts skin health by increasing glucocorticoids (GC). Blocking GC action or production can prevent or reverse these stress-induced skin damage effects.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
Background:
- Psychological stress (PS) adversely affects many skin conditions through poorly understood mechanisms.
- PS impairs epidermal proliferation, differentiation, barrier homeostasis, and stratum corneum integrity.
- PS increases endogenous glucocorticoids (GC), which mimic these adverse cutaneous effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if increased endogenous GC mediate the adverse cutaneous effects of PS.
- To determine if inhibiting GC action or production can prevent PS-induced skin damage.
Main Methods:
- Administered RU-486 (GC receptor antagonist) to inhibit GC action.
- Administered antalarmin (CRH receptor antagonist) to prevent GC production.
- Assessed epidermal proliferation, differentiation, barrier homeostasis, and stratum corneum integrity.
Main Results:
- Inhibition of GC action or production prevented PS-induced declines in epidermal proliferation and differentiation.
- GC inhibition normalized impaired permeability barrier homeostasis and reduced stratum corneum integrity.
- Inhibition of GC action restored lamellar body secretion and normalized corneodesmosome levels.
Conclusions:
- Increased endogenous GC significantly mediate the adverse effects of PS on skin structure and function.
- Strategies to reduce GC production or action may benefit skin disorders exacerbated by stress.
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