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Redistribution of lymphocytes after cortisol administration
P Toft1, E Tønnesen, P Svendsen
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Summary
Cortisol administration during surgical stress causes lymphopenia by redistributing lymphocytes. These immune cells move from the blood, spleen, and bone marrow to lymphatic tissues.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Surgical Stress Response
Background:
- Major surgeries trigger an endocrine and metabolic stress response.
- This response includes increased cortisol secretion and lymphopenia (low lymphocyte count).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tissue redistribution of lymphocytes following cortisol administration.
- To understand the mechanisms behind cortisol-induced lymphopenia.
Main Methods:
- 16 rabbits were used, with lymphocytes isolated, labeled with indium-111-tropolone, and reinjected.
- Eight rabbits received intravenous cortisol (25 mg), while eight received saline (control group).
- Lymphocyte redistribution was monitored using gamma camera imaging and computer analysis at set intervals.
Main Results:
- Cortisol administration led to a decrease in lymphocyte radioactivity in the spleen (to 84%) and bone marrow (to 56%) after 7 hours.
- Conversely, the activity in lymphatic tissues increased to 121% of initial values.
- Saline-treated rabbits showed no significant changes.
Conclusions:
- Cortisol-induced lymphopenia is characterized by lymphocyte redistribution.
- Lymphocytes migrate from peripheral blood, spleen, and bone marrow to lymphatic tissues under cortisol influence.
- This finding clarifies the tissue-specific dynamics of lymphocytes during the stress response.