Glucocorticoids characteristic features

It has been hypothesized that depression could arise from a pathological enhancement of 5-HT2 receptor function. This view would concur with the observations that the functional activity of 5-HT2 receptors on the platelet membrane is enhanced in depression and the increase in the density of 5-HT2 receptors in the frontal cortex of brains from suicide victims. It is possible that enhanced 5-HT2 receptor function is associated primarily with anxiety, a common feature of depression, and that the increased activity of the 5-HT2 receptors results in an attenuation of the functioning of S-HT receptors thereby resulting in the symptoms of depression. Whether this change in the activity of S-HT receptors is due to direct effects of the altered 5-HT2 receptor function is uncertain. There is evidence that hypercortisolaemia, which is a characteristic feature of depression, reduces the activity of these receptors probably through central glucocorticoid type 2 receptors. Clearly further research is needed to determine the precise interaction between the 5-HT2 and 5-HTi receptor types. 

Hydrocortisone represnts the principal natural glucocorticoid in human beings and thus, may be regarded as the prototype of all glucocorticoids. It essentially bears the following characteristic features, namely ... 

The structure-activity relationships of glucocorticoids are based on two natural hormones, cortisol (3.8) and corticosterone (5.61). The characteristic structural features of these hormones are the conjugated 3-ketone, the 11-OH group, and the up-ketol side chain. Molecular modifications have been aimed at deriving compounds with glucocorticoid... 

The incidence, clinical features, consequences, and management of ciclosporin-induced hjq)ertension have been reviewed (9). The prevalence was 29-54% in nontransplant patients and 65-100% in heart and hver transplant patients also taking glucocorticoids. Disturbed circadian rhythm with a loss of nocturnal blood pressure fall was the main characteristic, and patients therefore had higher risks of left ventricular hjq)ertrophy. 

Patients with this condition present with obesity with a characteristic moon face, abdominal striae, osteoporosis, hypertension and muscular weakness. Biochemical features include impaired glucose tolerance with a diabetic type of glucose tolerance curve (because of the glucocorticoid action of cortisol) and sodium retention with potassium depletion (because of the mineralocorticoid action of cortisol). 

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