In a number of experimental systems in which lymphocyte depletion was induced by apoptosis-inducing manipulations, no apoptotic morphology and ladder-type DNA fragmentation were detected among freshly isolated peripheral lymphocytes ex vivo. Here we report that one alteration that can be detected among splenocytes stimulated with lymphocyte-depleting doses of dexamethasone (DEX) in vivo is a re...

Glucocorticoids (GCs) represent one of the most effective treatments for eosinophilmediated inflammatory diseases such as asthma. GCs act through the GC receptor, leading to proinflammatory cytokine suppression and a reduction in the number of inflammatory cells including eosinophils and T cells. However, the benefits of GCs have been limited by their side effects and the presence of GC resista...

In presenting this thesis/dissertation in partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Postgraduate degree from the University of Saskatchewan, I agree that the Libraries of this University may make it freely available for inspection. I further agree that permission for copying of this thesis/dissertation in any manner, in whole or in part, for scholarly purposes may be granted by the professo...

Glucocorticoid excess frequently results in obesity, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and hypertension and may be the product of altered glucocorticoid hormone action. Tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoid is regulated by the expression of glucocorticoid receptor isoforms (GRa and GRb) and 11b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type I (11bHSD1)-mediated intracellular synthesis of active cortis...