SUMMARY
The effect of systemic administration of glucocorticoids was evaluated on 3 populations of macrophages obtained from healthy dogs. Phagocytic and Fc-receptor activities were determined for mononuclear phagocytes from blood and pulmonary and peritoneal lavage fluids. Samples were collected from 12 dogs before treatment and again on the same dogs after glucocorticoid administration. Thirty or more days were allowed between treatment periods.
Twelve hours after combined prednisolone sodium succinate and dexamethasone sodium phosphate administration, the percentage of phagocytosing cells decreased for blood monocytes and increased for pulmonary macrophages. The percentage of pulmonary macrophages positive for erythrocyte antibody-rosette formation (Fcreceptor activity) increased. After 7 days of oral administration of prednisone, the percentage of phagocytosing peritoneal macrophages increased, whereas the percentage of blood monocytes with Fc-receptor activity increased.
Results indicate that significant (P < 0.05) changes in macrophage function occur after systemic administration of the glucocorticoid doses used in this study. Also, the effect of systemic administration of glucocorticoids on mononuclear phagocytes varies, depending on the specific cell location.
