Objective: To study the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) isoform in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) of patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO).
Methods: Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to analyze RNA isolated from PBMC of the patients with GO and the normal volunteers. The level of plasma total cortisol (PTC) at 8 a.m. was measured.
Results: The hGR alpha/GR beta mRNA ratios of the two groups were 7.58 +/- 5.42 and 14.65 +/- 8.30, respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The PTC levels of the two groups were 304.23 +/- 92.06 and 313.73 +/- 111.05, and no significant difference between them was noted (P > 0.05). No correlation was found between hGR alpha/GR beta mRNA and PTC levels.
Conclusion: hGR alpha/GR beta mRNA may play a role in the pathogeny of Graves' ophthalmopathy.