Betamethasone

**Semantic type:** Organic Chemical|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A synthetic glucocorticoid with metabolic, immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory activities. Betamethasone binds to specific intracellular glucocorticoid receptors and subsequently binds to DNA to modify gene expression. The synthesis of certain anti-inflammatory proteins is induced while the synthesis of certain inflammatory mediators is inhibited. As a result, there is an overall reduction in chronic inflammation and autoimmune reactions.

**Synonyms:** - BETAMETHASONE - Celestone - Celestone