Prednisolone is the active metabolite of the synthetic corticosteroid prednisone, which is used to suppress inflammation and autoimmunity, as well as in other conditions. Methylprednisolone is a 6α-methyl derivative of prednisolone, a variation which reduces its binding to corticosteroid-binding globulin and increases penetration into target tissues. It alters gene expression, like prednisolone, through both the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors.
