The Journal of endocrinology
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Glucocorticoid (GC) resistance is a phenomenon of major significance in a number of clinical situations, including the therapy of lymphoid malignancies. Resistance may concern all, or just selected, GC effects, it may be absolute or just reflect a state of reduced sensitivity and, clinically relevant, be reversible or irreversible. ⋯ In this condition evidence for only a small number of mechanisms for GC resistance has been provided, mostly at the level of the GR. Herein, we review reports and hypotheses regarding 'upstream' and 'downstream' mechanisms for GC resistance in lymphoblastic leukemia and present an in vitro GC resistance model that might allow identification of resistance mechanisms.