The effects of dexamethasone on 17β-HSD1 levels at the rat optic nerve

Dexamethasone (DEX) is associated with many inflammation and metabolic diseases. We analyzed the effects of DEX on the expression of estrogen metabolism enzyme 17β-HSD1 at the optic nerve. Rats were treated with different concentrations of intraperitoneal DEX. Western Blot analysis showed that 17β-HSD protein was expressed in the optic nerve tissue. The enzyme was detected by immunohistochemistry on the terminal foot of Muller cells from the ganglion cell layer of rat retina. ELISA analysis showed that the 17β-HSD1 protein expression of DEX-treated group is 2.4 fold comparing to the control group. The results indicated that DMXS sodium phosphate might modulate the expression of 17β-HSD1 protein in optic tissue. This study sheds light on understanding of the relationship among DEX, 17β-HSD presence and distribution of visual neural systems. At the same time, DEX treatment affects the athletic ability and memory of the animals. Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed slow response to stimulation, inertia, depression, cowardice and lack of appetite. The results of ethology experiments showed that all the parameters decreased by 15–30%.