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Influence of corticosteroids on lymphocyte recirculation
Lymphology
|December 1, 1978
Summary
Corticosteroids rapidly decrease circulating lymphocytes by trapping them in tissues, with recovery within a day. This effect, observed in rats and guinea pigs, impacts both T- and B-lymphocytes and is independent of the thymus.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Corticosteroids are potent regulators of immune cell distribution.
- Understanding lymphocyte kinetics under steroid influence is crucial for immune response modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of corticosteroids on lymphocyte cell kinetics and distribution.
- To compare the responses of steroid-sensitive (rat) and steroid-resistant (guinea pig) species.
Main Methods:
- Administration of a single high dose of prednisolone to rats and guinea pigs.
- Monitoring of circulating lymphocyte levels, cell size distribution, and label index.
- Comparison between normal and thymectomized animals, and stress-induced responses in rats.
Main Results:
- A rapid, transient depression of circulating lymphocytes occurred in both species after prednisolone administration.
- Lymphocyte levels restituted within 24 hours with unchanged cell size distribution and label index.
- Evidence suggests lymphocyte trapping and redistribution to tissues, with a more pronounced effect in rats.
- Steroid action affects both T- and B-lymphocytes; thymectomy did not alter restitution.
- Stress induced similar lymphocyte kinetics in normal rats but not thymectomized rats.
Conclusions:
- Single high corticosteroid doses induce lymphocyte redistribution rather than significant cell death.
- The restitution of lymphocyte levels is thymus-independent.
- Species differences in response appear quantitative, related to the trapping mechanism.