Mineralocorticoids restore quiescent morphology and reduce VEGF receptor expression in inflamed choroidal endothelial cells in vitro

Background/aims: While the glucocorticoid triamcinolone acetonide (9alpha-fluoro-16alpha-hydroxyprednisolone, TA) has been widely administered as a treatment of ocular inflammation, mineralocorticoids have not been tested for their efficacy.

Methods: We assessed cellular morphology and actin distribution by immunomicroscopy and light microscopy, membrane permeability with transendothelial resistance and cell surface vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (VEGF-R1) expression by flow cytometry.

Results: Fludrocortisone acetate was more effective than TA in restoring quiescent morphology and reducing membrane permeability in phorbol-12-myristate-acetate (PMA)-stimulated choroidal endothelial cells (CECs). Each of the corticosteroids inhibited VEGF-R1 cell surface expression in PMA-responsive CECs.

Conclusion: Mineralocorticoids may be of potential use in reducing vascular permeability in ocular disease.