Corticosteroids are potent suppressors of the body’s inflammatory response. Which of the following conditions or actions do they suppress?
A. Cushing syndrome
B. Pain receptors
C. Immune response
D. Neural transmission
Correct Answer: C. Immune response
Corticosteroids suppress eosinophils, lymphocytes, and natural killer cells, inhibiting the natural inflammatory process in an infected or injured part of the body. This helps resolve inflammation, stabilizes lysosomal membranes, decreases capillary permeability, and depresses phagocytosis of tissues by white blood cells, thus blocking the release of more inflammatory materials.
Option A: Excessive corticosteroid therapy can lead to Cushing’s syndrome.
Option B: Analgesics suppress pain receptors.
Option D: Opioids and heroin may suppress neural transmission if taken in unregulated amounts.