Inhibition by glycyrrhetinic acid of rat tissue 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in vivo.

Inhibition of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11-HSD) in the major organs of the rat by the inhibitor glycyrrhetinic acid (a component of licorice) was investigated. The inhibitor decreased 11-HSD levels in most organs after intraperitoneal injection. The effect was dose dependent, was maximally effective 3 hours after administration, and was completely reversed at 24 hours. The magnitude and patterns of effectiveness differed between tissues. It was concluded that the inhibition of 11-HSD by glycyrrhetinic acid is not restricted to one or a few organs, but is broadly based.