IMMUNOSUPPRESSION BY SEX STEROID-HORMONES .1. EFFECT UPON PHA-STIMULATED AND PPD-STIMULATED LYMPHOCYTES

Abstract

Progesterone, estradiol, testosterone, cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol (Compound S) were added to cultures of human lymphocytes stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and purified protein derivative (PPD). The immunosuppressive effect of cortisol was verified and the 3 sex-steroid hormones inhibited lymphocyte transformation, although at concentrations higher than for cortisol. Compound S, a steroid of low biological potency, also had immunosuppressive activity. At concentrations (0.01-1.0 .mu.g/ml), progesterone, estrogen, testosterone and Compound S augmented the transformation response to PPD but not to PHA. Marked variation from individual to individual in the suppressive effects of all the steroids were noted. The clinical implications of immunosuppression by the sex steroid hormones are discussed.