Decreased suppressor T-lymphocytes in women who received progestogen injections.
Decreased levels of suppressor T-cells (CD8+) were found in 17 normal women who received progestogen (Depoprovera) injection, 150 mg intramuscularly every three months for contraceptive purposes, for more than 30 months. The helper: suppressor T-cells (CD4+ : CD8+ ratio) was significantly elevated in this group compared to 30 normal female controls. No significant change of T-lymphocyte was found in 53 normal women who received the injection for less than 30 months or who received combined oral contraceptive pills. In conclusion, long term progestogen injection induced a lowering of suppressor T-cell levels, which is the same immunological change found in several autoimmune diseases.
Sridama
V
V
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Limpongsanurak
S
S
Sritippayawan
S
S
Youngprapakorn
S
S
D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology
D011374:Progesterone