Suppression of the cellular interactions of delayed hypersensitivity by corticosteroid.

Abstract

Methylprednisolone sodium succinate was administered to New Zealand white rabbits sensitized with BCG in an attempt to define the effect of corticosteroid upon the interactions of lymphocytes and macrophages in the afferent and efferent limbs of delayed hypersensitivity. Daily intramuscular administration of the corticosteroid, beginning simultaneous with BCG sensitization of rabbits, prevented the inhibition of macrophage migration following tuberculin challenge 14 days after sensitization. If corticosteroid administration was delayed until 10 days following sensitization with BCG, the expected inhibition of macrophage migrations followed tuberculin challenge.