Inhibition of release of prostaglandins as an explanation of some of the actions of anti-inflammatory corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids as well as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the prostaglandin-mediated vasodilatation accompanying lipolysis in subcutaneous fat. Whereas the non-steroids produce their effect by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, however, corticosteroids inhibit their release. This mechanism may be the basis of some actions of corticosteroids in inflammation, in the gastric mucosa and in the CNS.