The effects of glucocorticoids and a glucocorticoid antagonist (RU 38486) on experimental acute pancreatitis in rat

Acta Chir Hung. 1997;36(1-4):190-1.

Abstract

The effects of glucocorticoids on acute pancreatitis are a matter of dispute. In animal experiments, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone significantly decreased the serum amylase activities 8 hours after the induction of pancreatitis. In the dexamethasone treated group, the serum IL-6 level was significantly decreased at 4 and 8 hours, while in the hydrocortisone treated group, all the IL-6 values were significantly diminished vs. the control group. As compared to the control, a glucocorticoid antagonist (RU 38486) did not influence the serum amylase activity, but significantly increased the serum IL-6 level. These results suggest that glucocorticoids may play a role in the control of pancreatitis caused by inhibition of cytokine production.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Amylases / blood
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Dexamethasone / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Dexamethasone / therapeutic use
  • Glucocorticoids / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use*
  • Hormone Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Hydrocortisone / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Hydrocortisone / therapeutic use
  • Interleukin-6 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Interleukin-6 / blood
  • Mifepristone / therapeutic use*
  • Pancreatitis / drug therapy*
  • Rats
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Hormone Antagonists
  • Interleukin-6
  • Mifepristone
  • Dexamethasone
  • Amylases
  • Hydrocortisone