Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
10:35
Assessment of Antibody-based Drugs Effects on Murine Bone Marrow and Peritoneal Macrophage Activation
Published on: December 26, 2017
Glucocorticoids exert opposing effects on macrophage function dependent on their concentration.
Hee-Young Lim1, Nora Müller, Marco J Herold
1Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Immunology
|April 25, 2007
Summary
Glucocorticoids (GCs) modulate macrophage immune responses. Low hormone levels enhance, while high levels repress, macrophage function, primarily through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Glucocorticoids (GCs) are critical regulators of macrophage function and immune responses.
- The influence of hormone concentration and the specific roles of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) in mediating these effects remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concentration-dependent effects of corticosterone on macrophage function.
- To determine the distinct roles of the GR and MR in mediating glucocorticoid actions on macrophages.
Main Methods:
- Macrophages were treated with varying concentrations of corticosterone.
- Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) functions were inactivated using lentiviral siRNA delivery.
- Macrophage function was assessed by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production and pro-inflammatory gene expression.
- Adrenalectomy was performed in vivo to remove endogenous GCs, followed by corticosterone modulation.
Main Results:
- Low corticosterone concentrations enhanced NO production and pro-inflammatory gene expression in macrophages.
- High corticosterone concentrations led to significant repression of macrophage function.
- Inactivation of the GR abolished both stimulatory and suppressive GC effects, while MR inactivation had no impact.
- Adrenalectomy induced a preactivated macrophage state, sensitive to corticosterone modulation.
Conclusions:
- Glucocorticoids exert distinct, concentration-dependent effects on macrophage function.
- These effects are primarily mediated through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), irrespective of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) presence.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for modulating immune responses in various physiological and pathological conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Differentiation of Common Myeloid Progenitor Cells
Common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) are oligopotent cells that can differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages. Granulocytes and macrophages are essential for protecting the body against bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. They migrate from the bone marrow into the circulating blood to reach specific tissue sites where they differentiate and help in immune surveillance. However, they survive only for a few days and must be continuously made available to the organism to maintain a robust...
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2),...
01:22Target Cell Response to Hormones
Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...