Activated glucocorticoid receptors alter transcription of inflammatory mediators (IL-1, IL-6, TNF) and upregulate anti-inflammatory proteins, leading to broad immunosuppression.
Prednisone is hepatically converted to prednisolone, which binds cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors and alters transcription of inflammatory genes—downregulating cytokines and adhesion molecules while inducing anti-inflammatory proteins. Rapid non-genomic effects also stabilize lysosomal membranes and reduce capillary permeability, yielding broad immunosuppression.
-