[Modification of in vitro immune mechanisms by various glucocorticosteroid preparations--studies of lymphocytes in healthy probands and autoimmune patients]

Abstract

The influence of steroids on lymphocyte responses was tested in vitro. The inhibition of early events of lymphocyte stimulation and cell proliferation after PHA stimulation was estimated. We found, however, different individual responses of immune cells of various donors to the preparations dexamethasone, prednisolone, hydrocortisone or methylprednisolone in both in vitro models tested. Steroid treatment of lymphocyte cultures resulted in both inhibition and enhancement of PWM-driven Ig synthesis in cultures derived from different test persons. In experiments with lymphocytes from patients with acute systemic lupus erythematosus we found a dramatically enhanced PWM-stimulated IgG synthesis which is disturbed in cultures of these patients. The individuality of steroid sensitivity of lymphocyte cultures of healthy test persons and the abnormal reactivity of SLE lymphocytes were discussed in relation to therapeutical applications.