Differential effects of glucocorticosteroids on the functions of helper and suppressor T lymphocytes.

Abstract

The effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on the functions ofantigen-primed helper and suppressor T cells were studied in humoral immune responses in vitro. In doses equivalent to elevated physiologic concentrations, the suppressor T cell activity was abolished. In contrast, the helper T cell function was resistant to even pharmacologic concentrations of Dex. The apparent steroid resistance of the helper T cells was found to be mediated by the products ofactivated macrophages. While macrophage factors protected helper T cells from steroid inhibition, they did not prevent the effects of Dex on suppressor T cells. Because bacterial cell wall and membrane components are potent inducers of the factors that mediate steroid resistance of helper T cells, the combination of physiologically elevated levels of steroids and macrophage factors during acute infections may function to facilitate the expression of host immunity. However, the persistance of these conditions, as in chronic inflammation, may also contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmunity by perturbing the balance of immune regulation by helper and suppressor T cells.

Differential Invasion by Sendai Virus of Abdominal Parenchymal Organs and Brain Tissues in Cortisone- and Cyclophosphamide-Based Immunosuppressed Mice

“…Suppressor T cell activity is eliminated by administering doses of dexamethasone equivalent to an increased physiological concentration,but the helper T cell function is resistant to the pharmacologic concentration of the drug in mice [6]. Corticosteroid-related alteration in T cell subpopulations depends on the degree of selectivity of the effect of corticosteroids on phenotypically or functionally defined, or both, subsets of T cells [36].…”

Dexamethasone Inhibition of IL-1–Induced Collagen Degradation by Corneal Fibroblasts in Three-Dimensional Culture

“…Some of the actions of these drugs appear to be mediated by direct effects on the traffic and functions of specific cell types involved in inflammatory responses, including neutrophils, 9 macrophages, 10 lymphocytes, 11 and monocytes, 12 whereas other actions seem attributable to more generalized effects on blood vessels, epithelial and endothelial regeneration, and fibroblast activity. Steroid administration is effective in the treatment of some cases of corneal ulceration.…”

Immunoglobulin production in vitro in major depression: A pilot study on the modulating action of endogenous cortisol

“…Furthermore, glucocorticoids induce suppression of B cell activation and proliferation (Bowen and Fauci 1984;Cupps et al 1985) and T cell proliferation (Gillis et al 1979). They exhibit a differential effect on the function ofT helper and T suppressor cells (Bradley and Mishell 1981). The above-described mechanisms of glucocorticoids may be integrated in the role glucocorticoids play in modulating the effects on immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis.…”