How do corticosteroids exert their anti-inflammatory effects?

Corticosteroids exert their anti-inflammatory effects primarily by reducing immune system activity. These medications target various pathways in the immune response, leading to a suppression of inflammation and immune function. They achieve this by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules, which are crucial for the recruitment and activation of immune cells. As a result, corticosteroids effectively decrease the overall inflammatory response in conditions such as asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.

Other options present alternate mechanisms that are not representative of corticosteroid action. For instance, promoting vasodilation would likely increase blood flow and could exacerbate inflammation rather than reduce it. Increasing white blood cell count is contrary to the effect of corticosteroids; they typically lead to a redistribution of white blood cells and can reduce their overall count in circulation. Lastly, enhancing cytokine production would further drive the inflammatory process, which contradicts the intended effect of corticosteroids in managing inflammation. Overall, the primary mechanism of corticosteroids' anti-inflammatory action is their ability to suppress the immune response.