Pharmacology · single question
Prednisone's mechanism of action is BEST described as:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Suppresses inflammation by inhibiting migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing increased capillary permeability
- A. Prednisone has no direct antibacterial action.
- B. COX inhibition is the mechanism of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) — not corticosteroids (though they indirectly affect arachidonic acid pathway).
- C. H1 receptor blockade is the mechanism of antihistamines (diphenhydramine, cetirizine) — not corticosteroids.
- D. Correct. Corticosteroids (including prednisone) suppress inflammation through multiple mechanisms: (1) inhibit phospholipase A2 (preventing arachidonic acid release → reduces prostaglandins and leukotrienes), (2) reduce PMN migration to sites of inflammation, (3) reverse capillary permeability (reducing edema), (4) suppress lymphocyte and macrophage activity. They are broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive agents.