title: Corticosteroid effects on circulating lymphocyte subset levels in normal humans.
abstract: The effects of in vivo corticosteroid administration on levels of lymphocyte subsets in normal humans require further definition. Using monoclonal antibodies, we carried out a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral and intravenous methylprednisolone in 10 normal volunteers. Four hours after a 7-day oral course of 0.5 mg/kg/day, there was modest lymphopenia but no significant selective alteration in lymphocyte subsets. In contrast, 4 hr after a single intravenous injection of 1.0 mg/kg, there was more pronounced lymphopenia (P less than 0.01), a selective, relative decrease in T4 cells (P less than 0.001), and a more modest decrease in the percentage of T3 cells. The possible mechanisms and implication of these changes are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification* / Q000187:drug effects; D008231:Lymphopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D008775:Methylprednisolone