Why do corticosteroids suppress immune system functioning?
A) Corticosteroids help calm the body by giving inhibitory messages.
B) They bind to the cytokines.
C) They trigger the release of norepinephrine.
D) They cause the adrenal cortex to produce ACTH.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones your body produces naturally in your adrenal glands, which are small glands that sit on top of your kidneys. When prescribed at doses that exceed your body's usual levels, corticosteroids suppress inflammation, which can reduce the signs and symptoms of inflammatory conditions. They do this by calming the immune system, partly by affecting the movement of cells and chemicals in the immune system. This calming effect helps keep the immune response in check, which can be beneficial in conditions where the immune system is inappropriately attacking the body's own tissues.

Why Do Corticosteroids Suppress Immune System Functioning