Eosinophils of Blood During Prolonged Exposure to Cold and Chronic Administration of Cortisone Acetate.

Abstract

Circulating eosinophils were countered in blood samples from rats exposed to cold for 90 days, and from rats treated with diverse doses of cortisone acetate. The eosinophils decreased 86% within 6 hrs. after exposure to a temp. of 2[degree]C but returned to above normal values within 48 hrs. and remained high for the duration of the 90-day exposure period. In spite of continued exposure, the eosinophils showed a diurnal rhythm and were sensitive to exogenous cortisone acetate. Normal rats required a daily dose of 100 [mu]g cortisone acetate to maintain a depressed level of eosinophils for 21 days. It is suggested that a eucorticoid state may develop during adaptation to cold.