Course of Experimental Tuberculosis in the Albino Rat as Influenced by Cortisone.

Abstract

Summary 1. Rats injected with virulent tubercle bacilli did not die of tuberculous infection. A majority of rats similarly infected with tubercle bacilli but treated with cortisone died of tuberculosis. 2. Striking histologic differences were noted. Localized granu-lomatas were seen in the organs of rats injected only with tubercle bacilli, whereas the lesions in the animals also receiving cortisone were diffuse and contained fewer inflammatory cells. 3. The influence of cortisone on experimental tuberculosis appears to be a lowering of the host's natural resistance. The possible modes of action resulting in this are discussed.