Corticosteroid effects on circulating lymphocyte subset levels in normal humans.

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.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes