top of page
The Sound of Evolution
Dexamethasone
Mechanism of action:
Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid and a fluorinated corticosteroid derivative. It penetrates the cell membrane and binds to glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the cytoplasm. The receptor complex then enters the nucleus and regulates gene transcription. It suppresses the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2, while promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory genes such as Annexin-1.
Reference(s):
1. Tomlinson ES et al. (1997). Dexamethasone metabolism in vitro: species differences. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol.
2. Ciriaco M et al. (2013). Corticosteroid-related central nervous system side effects. J Pharmacol Pharmacother.
bottom of page