Effects Of Ginsenosides On Glucocorticoid Receptor In Rat Liver

Objective: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of ginsenosides (GSS) on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in rat liver. Methods: F-PVA was injected subcutaneously, and GSS was administrated before of after the injection. GR binding capacity was determined with radioligand binding assay; GR mRNA was determined with quantitative real-time RT-PCR; GR expression in liver was analyzed by Immunohistochemistry; the plasma corticosterone was determined by radioimmunoassay. Results: The GR binding capacity and mRNA level in rats that administrated with GSS before the injection of F-PVA are higher than that in GC group rats; The GR binding capacity and mRNA of the GC+GSS group on the 5th and 7th days after the injection are higher than that of GC group; there was no significant difference of the plasma corticosterone level between any two groups. Conclusion: GSS may antagonize the GR down-regulation induced by hydrocortisone in rat, and up-regulate the GR level. The mechanisms of GSS revering the GR down-regulation occur at both the transcription and post-transcription levels.