Hydrocortisone-induced inhibition of reactive oxygen species by polymorphonuclear neutrophils.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether hydrocortisone given intravenously inhibits reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNLs) in vivo and, if so, to describe the pharmacodynamics of this effect.


METHODS
A prospective, open label study in normal subjects.


METHODS
A clinical research unit of a tertiary referral center for diabetes and endocrinology.


METHODS
Eight normal subjects (age range, 2450 yrs).


METHODS
An indwelling cannula was inserted into the antecubital vein. Sequential blood samples were obtained from the cannula just before, and after, the intravenous injection of hydrocortisone (100 mg) at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hrs.


RESULTS
ROS generation by PMNLs and mononuclear cells (MNCs) was assayed as previously observed in a chemiluminometer. ROS generation by PMNLs and MNCs was inhibited by hydrocortisone at 1 hr; this effect peaked at 2 hrs and began to recover by 4 hrs; ROS generation had recovered to the baseline by 24 hrs. Although the pharmacodynamic effect of hydrocortisone on PMNLs and MNCs was similar, the peak inhibition was significantly greater for PMNLs (26% of basal vs. 43% of basal, p<.02) than MNCs.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a marked, consistent, inhibition of ROS generation by PMNLs, which parallels that of MNCs after intravenous hydrocortisone. The pharmacodynamics of this effect are consistent with our current clinical practices.
Dandona
P
P
Department of Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo and Millard Fillmore Health System, USA. pdandona@mfhs.edu
Suri
M
M
Hamouda
W
W
Aljada
A
A
Kumbkarni
Y
Y
Thusu
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*; D012016:Reference Values
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D006854:Hydrocortisone