CORTICOSTEROID-RESISTANT CHRONIC ASTHMA AND MONOCYTE COMPLEMENT RECEPTORS

Abstract

Monocyte complement receptors (MCR) and MCR enhancement by a monocyte chemotactic factor (casein) (CRE) were measured in corticosteroid-resistant [CNR] and corticosteroid-responsive [CR] chronic asthmatics. In newly diagnosed patients who subsequently responded to corticosteroids, the percentage of MCR and CRE was lower after taking oral prednisolone [PN] for 7 days and returned to pretreatment values when PN was withdrawn. MCR and CRE in CR asthmatics receiving PN were significantly lower than in CNR asthmatics taking PN. There was no significant difference in MCR and CRE between CNR taking PN and CNR receiving other forms of therapy. Apparently one effect of systemic corticosteroids in asthmatics who respond to this form of treatment is a decrease in both MCR and the degree of CRE. Since these changes were not found in CNR chronic asthmatics such patients may have a defect in the expression and mobilization of MCR.