Inhibition of T lymphocyte proliferation by retinal glial Müller cells: reversal of inhibition by glucocorticoids.

Study of interactions between retinal glial Müller cells and T lymphocytes have revealed a wide array of reciprocal influences on the functions of these cells. In the present study we show that these interactions can be further modified by corticosteroid hormones. The primary effect of Müller cells on T lymphocytes is an inhibition of the T-cell proliferative response, and it is exerted via a membrane-bound factor. In this report we show that glucocorticoids can reverse the inhibition by suppressing the expression of the Müller cell inhibitory factor. This effect was independent of the action of glucocorticoids on arachidonic acid metabolism.