Prednisolone | Glucocorticosteroid | CAS 50-24-8

Product Name: Prednisolone
CAS No.: 50-24-8
Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₂₈O₅
Appearance: White or almost white crystalline powder, odorless
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; sparingly soluble in ethanol and chloroform; soluble in methanol and dioxane
Stability: Relatively stable when stored in a dry, protected from light place

1. Introduction

Prednisolone is a synthetic glucocorticosteroid with pronounced anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and immunosuppressive effects. It is used for a wide range of diseases, including rheumatic, allergic, skin, hematological, and oncological conditions.

Prednisolone is one of the most widely used systemic glucocorticosteroids (GCS). Its therapeutic efficacy is due to its ability to mimic the action of endogenous corticosteroids, but with more pronounced anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The drug interacts with specific intracellular receptors, modulating gene expression and the synthesis of various inflammatory and immune response mediators.

2. Chemical Structure & Synthesis

Prednisolone is a dehydrogenated analog of hydrocortisone (cortisol), differing from it by the presence of a double bond between carbon atoms 1 and 2 in ring A of the steroid structure.

Synthesis: Industrial synthesis of prednisolone is typically carried out by microbiological or chemical dehydrogenation of hydrocortisone at the 1,2 position. The raw materials for producing hydrocortisone may include steroidal sapogenins of plant origin or bile acids.

3. Mechanism of Action

Prednisolone penetrates cell membranes and binds to specific cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptors. The resulting complex is transported to the cell nucleus, where it interacts with DNA, altering gene transcription. This leads to:

• Reduced synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukins, TNF-α)

• Reduced synthesis of enzymes (phospholipase A2, COX-2)

• Reduced synthesis of adhesion molecules

• Stabilization of cell membranes

• Decreased capillary permeability

• Suppression of leukocyte migration to the inflammation site

The immunosuppressive effect is associated with suppression of proliferation and function of T- and B-lymphocytes, and decreased antibody production.

4. Pharmacokinetics

Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentration is reached within 1–2 hours. Binds to plasma proteins (transcortin and albumin). Metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites. Excreted primarily by the kidneys.

5. Applications

Prednisolone is used for the treatment of a wide range of conditions requiring anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapy:

• Rheumatic diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, systemic vasculitis

• Allergic diseases: Severe bronchial asthma, status asthmaticus, angioedema, anaphylactic shock, serum sickness, severe allergic dermatoses

• Skin diseases: Eczema, psoriasis, pemphigus, erythroderma

• Blood diseases: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, leukemias and lymphomas (as part of combination therapy)

• Gastrointestinal diseases: Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease

• Kidney diseases: Glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome

• Other: Adrenal insufficiency (in combination with mineralocorticoids), shock of various origins, transplant rejection prevention

6. Conclusion

Prednisolone remains one of the most potent and widely used glucocorticosteroids due to its high efficacy in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, its use, especially long-term, carries the risk of serious side effects, requiring careful medical supervision, individual dose selection, and gradual withdrawal of the drug.