The effect of prednisone on the non-stimulated and the stimulated NBT test.

The non-stimulated and stimulated nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) dye test was studied in five normal adults in sequence, viz. before and at intervals after prednisone was given as one large dose. A negative effect of prednisone on the NBT response was seen. This applied to both the non-stimulated and stimulated NBT test. For the latter five different toxins were used. At the same time a pronounced neutrophil granulocytosis was seen. The depression of the NBT test is present both in the percentage of NBT-stained neutrophils and when expressed in absolute counts of NBT-strained neutrophils.