Polymorphonuclear leukocyte adherence to nylon: effect of oral corticosteroids.

The effect of orally administered glucocorticoids on polymorphonuclear leukocyte adherence was studied by using the nylon fiber adherence assay. Inhibition of adherence 4 h after administration of the agent was confirmed, and in addition, augmentation of adherence was noted 24 h after ingestion of prednisone. Crossover studies revealed inhibition and augmentation to be cell associated as well as plasma mediated. Suspension of washed, dextran-sedimented polymorphonuclear leukocytes, harvested 4 h after prednisone ingestion in base-line or 24-h plasma failed to reverse inhibition of adherence. Adherence of 24-h polymorphonuclear leukocytes was augmented when suspended in all test plasmas. Plasma-mediated effects were demonstrated by inhibition of base-line adherence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes suspended in 4-h plasma and augmentation of adherence of cells in 24-h plasma. Plasma-mediated effects were reversible by washing.