Abstract
The effect of corticosteroids on macrophage activity in rat lung was studied by determining the clearance rate of inhaled 59Fe 2O 3 particles and the number of alveolar macrophages recovered by lung washing. The results indicate that the structure relationship for the action on alveolar phagocytosis is different from the well known potencies in terms of glucocorticoid activity. The endogeneous glucocorticoids corticosteronet and cortisol† were found to be the most potent compounds tested while some synthetic steroids such as triaminocolone acetonide and dexamethasone produced no significant changes in the parameters examined. From these and other studies a reduced macrophage mobility by elevated corticosterone or cortisol is postulated. This reduction can be prevented by inhibition of corticosteroid biosynthesis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
