Glucocorticoid-induced appearance of the macrophage subtype RM 3/1 in peripheral blood of man.
The effect of intravenous administration of the glucocorticoid prednylidene on the macrophage subtype RM 3/1 in the peripheral blood of man was studied. Injection of 60 mg steroid resulted in an increase in the proportion of RM 3/1 positive monocytes 12 h after application from the basic level to about 80%. After 24 h the number of RM 3/1 positive cells decreased but remained elevated over the basis rate for a period of at least 15 days. Similar results were obtained after administration of 30 or 6 mg prednylidene even if the peak value occurred with a delay of 12 h after 6 mg. A dose- and time-dependent induction of the RM 3/1 positive subtype could also be demonstrated in vitro by the addition of prednylidene or dexamethasone to cultured purified human monocytes/macrophages. Deoxycortone or indomethacin had no effects. These results suggest that glucocorticoids exert their influence on cells of the mononuclear phagocytic lineage by inducing a distinct monocyte/macrophage subpopulation which seems to be associated with anti-inflammatory functions.
Zwadlo-Klarwasser
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Institute of Pharmacology, RWTH Aachen, FRG.
Bent
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Haubeck
H D
HD
Sorg
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Schmutzler
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W
D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D009000:Monocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
D005938:Glucocorticoids