M Shodell 1, F P Siegal

PMID: 11544466 DOI: 10.1067/mai.2001.117928

Abstract

Glucocorticoids are strongly immunosuppressive and are associated with reactivation of some intracellular infections. The plasmacytoid dendritic cell is a rare blood mononuclear cell detected through its production of IFN-alpha in response to herpes simplex virus and by surface immunophenotyping. We here report that steroid administration results in a decrease of IFN-alpha generation of approximately 25-fold, accompanied by reduction in circulating plasmacytoid dendritic cell numbers. Both parameters return to normal within days after steroid cessation.

Keywords: Adrenal Cortex Hormones / pharmacology*
Dendritic Cells / cytology
Dendritic Cells / drug effects
Dendritic Cells / immunology*
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
Interferon-alpha / biosynthesis*
Leukocytes, Mononuclear / cytology
Leukocytes, Mononuclear / drug effects
Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology*