Corticosteroid action on choroid plexus: reduction in Na+-K+-ATPase activity, choline transport capacity, and rate of CSF formation.

Glucocorticoids have a well-known clinical effect on brain edema and intracranial hypertension, but the mechanism of action is still poorly understood. In the present report the effect of beta-methasone on choroid plexus transport and CSF formation was studied. Following 5 days of daily treatment with betamethasone the CSF production rate in rabbits was reduced by 43% as measured by ventriculo-cisternal perfusion with radioactive inulin. Accordingly, the transport capacity in the choroid plexus, measured in terms of choline uptake and accumulation in vitro, and the activity of Na+--K+-ATPase decreased in both rabbit (in the lateral ventricles by 31 and 31%, respectively) and rat (by 16 and 24%, respectively). Thus, the demonstrated influence of glucocorticoids on these functions of the choroid plexus seem to be important components in their therapeutic effect on intracranial hypertension.