Glucocorticoid-induced elevations of C1-esterase inhibitor: a mechanism for protection against lethal dose range contrast challenge in rabbits.

Rabbits pretreated with methylprednisolone acquired significant protection against an intravenous challenge of meglumine iodipamide. In comparison to controls, the pretreated rabbits showed moderate elevations of Factor XII, and rather striking elevations of C1-esterase inhibitor. Treated rabbits also showed significantly less granulocytosis. It is believed that the protective effect can be ascribed to the modulation of acute phase reactants by increased concentrations of C1-esterase inhibitor.