Effect of Cortisone, Related Hormones, and Adrenalectomy on Susceptibility of Mice to Virus Infections.

Abstract

Large doses of cortisone (2-2.5 mg. daily for 5-9 days) greatly increased the susceptibility of mice to lethal infection by West Nile, Ilheus, and Bunyamwera viruses inoculated intraperitoneally. Adrenocorticotropic hormone in massive dosage produced the same effect with West Nile virus. Desoxy-corticosterone, testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol in massive doses had no significant effect on these virus infections in mice. Anopheles B virus was not infective by intraperitoneal route even in cortisone-treated mice. Adrenalectomy did not influence susceptibility to virus infection. The possible mechanisms of the cortisone effect are discussed and it is concluded that the effect of cortisone upon virus infection is probably due to a direct effect of cortisone upon the host.