Glucocorticoid receptors in lymphocytes and stability of kidney graft function.

The glucocorticoid receptors in lymphocytes of patients treated with glucocorticoids after kidney transplantation have been studied in order to determine whether abnormalities in corticosteroid binding and trans-activation of steroid-receptor complexes, i.e., their translocation into nuclei, may contribute to the resistance of patients to glucocorticoid therapy. The patients were divided into two groups, according to graft stability: patients with stable graft function and those with chronic allograft rejection. The study revealed changes in both level and binding affinity of glucocorticoid receptors in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with chronic graft rejection, compared with control level, as well as with values of patients with stable graft function. These data indicate that sensitivity to glucocorticoids depends, at least in part, on the alterations of glucocorticoid receptors. The receptor translocation into nuclei indicates that unknown post-receptor events might also be involved in glucocorticoid resistance that seriously impair successive glucocorticoid therapy after organ transplantation. Further examination of glucocorticoid receptors in cases of organ transplantation seems warranted.