What can be an expected physiological response from glucocorticoids during treatment?

Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones that play a crucial role in the regulation of various physiological processes in the body. When administered as part of a treatment regimen, one of the hallmark responses associated with glucocorticoid therapy is the reduced inflammation and immune suppression.

This effect occurs because glucocorticoids inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, which are molecules critical to the inflammatory response. By doing so, they effectively diminish the activity of the immune system, leading to a reduction in inflammation. This is particularly beneficial in conditions characterized by excessive inflammation, such as autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, and chronic inflammatory disorders.

In contrast, the other options capture responses that do not align with the primary actions of glucocorticoids. Increased immune activity contradicts the suppressive properties of these hormones. An enhanced metabolic rate is not typically a characteristic response; instead, glucocorticoids can lead to changes in metabolism that often do not favor high metabolic rates. Finally, increased sensitivity to insulin does not occur during glucocorticoid therapy; in fact, glucocorticoids can induce insulin resistance over time, making the understanding of their insulin effects critical for managing patients on these medications.