glucocorticoid receptor

Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid receptor agonist and IL receptor modulator with anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and apoptosis-inducing activities. It inhibits the production of inflammatory miRNA-155 exosomes in macrophages, significantly reduces inflammatory cytokine expression in neutrophils and monocytes, suppresses LPS-induced macrophage inflammation, and induces autophagy. It is commonly used to induce animal models of depression, muscle atrophy, and hypertension, and holds potential in COVID-19 research.

Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, possessing mineralocorticoid activity and serving as a precursor to aldosterone. As an agonist of the mineralocorticoid receptor, DOCA can induce severe kidney damage, including inflammation, fibrosis, glomerular injury, and proteinuria. It is commonly used to establish animal models of chronic kidney injury and hypertension.