title: Histologic studies of human skin test responses to ragweed and compound 48/80. III. Effects of alternate-day steroid therapy.
abstract: Our previous studies have shown depressed eosinophil responses in skin test reactions to pollen antigens and compound 48/80 in those just completing a 1-wk course of daily steroids. Wheal reactions were unaffected. In this study, 6 ragweed-sensitive atopic subjects were studied before and on the seventh day ("day on") and day 8 ("day off") of a course of alternate-day steroids. Blood neutrophil levels rose on day 7 and were similar to baseline on day 8, whereas blood eosinophil levels were significantly reduced on both days 7 and 8. Neutrophil responses in skin test reactions were depressed on day 7 and normal on day 8. In contrast, the tissue eosinophil responses were depressed significantly, and to similar degree, on both days 7 and 8. These findings are of potential significance in evaluating the clinical effects of steroids in allergic diseases.
mesh_terms: D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004804:Eosinophils; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000276:immunology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009504:Neutrophils; D011058:Pollen; D012882:Skin Tests; D003189:p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D003189:p-Methoxy-N-methylphenethylamine; D008775:Methylprednisolone