Chemiluminescence of neutrophils in patients with glomerulonephritis treated with methylprednisolone

The effect of high dose methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol, Up John) (1000 mg) on chemiluminescence (CL) of peripheral blood neutrophils in patients with various primary glomerulopathies was determined. Contrary to the well-established influence of corticosteroids on in vitro suppression of leukocytic chemiluminescence, our studies disclose a remarkable enhancement of neutrophil chemiluminescent activity in patients receiving pulse methylprednisolone infusion. Subsequent administrations of the drug did not result in any significant change of the analysed parameters. Increased chemiluminescence returned to the pretreatment values within approximately seven days. A possible explanation for the observed phenomenon is discussed.