Mineralocorticoids restore quiescent morphology and reduce VEGF receptor expression in inflamed choroidal endothelial cells in vitro.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: While the glucocorticoid triamcinolone acetonide (9alpha-fluoro-16alpha-hydroxyprednisolone, TA) has been widely administered as a treatment of ocular inflammation, mineralocorticoids have not been tested for their efficacy.

METHODS

We assessed cellular morphology and actin distribution by immunomicroscopy and light microscopy, membrane permeability with transendothelial resistance and cell surface vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGF-R1) expression by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Fludrocortisone acetate was more effective than TA in restoring quiescent morphology and reducing membrane permeability in phorbol-12-myristate-acetate (PMA)-stimulated choroidal endothelial cells (CECs). Each of the corticosteroids inhibited VEGF-R1 cell surface expression in PMA-responsive CECs.

CONCLUSION

Mineralocorticoids may be of potential use in reducing vascular permeability in ocular disease.