Reaction of human leukocytes after in vitro contact with a glucocorticoid

Abstract

The used hormone prednisolone bisuccinate causes in the concentration range of 2-1,000 micrograms/ml visible changes of the cell morphology and enzymatic activity in all leukocytes. These alterations appear immediately after the application of the glucocorticoid and remain nearly constant during the time of investigation (1 h). The changes in the cell morphology and the loss of enzymatic activity increase with enhanced hormone concentration. The following reproducible morphological changes caused by the hormone comprise swelling, vacuolization and deformation of the nuclei with concomitant release of nuclei material. In addition, cloverleaf and fircone-like structures originate in connection with the formation of small bubbles.