At the molecular level, the anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids involves binding of the drug-receptor complex to specific DNA sequences and increased transcription of an inhibitor of phospholipase A2. That protein is:
- A Cyclooxygenase-2
- B Lipocortin-1 (annexin A1) ✓
- C Nuclear factor kappa B
- D Inducible nitric oxide synthase
Explanation
Glucocorticoids diffuse into cells and bind cytosolic glucocorticoid receptors; the complex translocates to the nucleus and modulates gene transcription. Among induced proteins, lipocortin-1 (annexin A1) inhibits phospholipase A2, reducing release of arachidonic acid and downstream prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase are suppressed by glucocorticoids, not induced, and NF-kappa B is inhibited through I-kappa B rather than being the phospholipase inhibitor.
Reference: Katzung Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 15th ed.
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