Effects of Cortisone and Hydrocortisone on the Numbers of Thoracic Duct Lymphocytes

Abstract

The effects of cortisone and hydrocortisone on the levels of thoracic duct lymphocytes have been studied in normal and hypophysectomized rats under standardized conditions. It is shown that: 1. Four hours after its administration, hydrocortisone causes a marked thoracic duct lymphocytopenia, the effect being even more marked in hypophysectomized than in normal rats. 2. At comparable dose levels, hydrocortisone is demonstrably and significantly more effective in producing a thoracic duct lymphocytopenia than is cortisone.