Intracrine modulation of gene expression by intracellular generation of active glucocorticoids

We conclude that gene expression modulation by GC is under a decisive influence of target cell 11β-HSD-1 that modulates the intracellular concentration of active GC. The intracrine mechanism is an under-appreciated aspect of GC activity that could be a potential target for future therapies aimed at modulating GC effects at the cellular level.