EFFECTS OF A GLUCOCORTICOID (DEXAMETHASONE) ON THE EOSINOPHILS OF THE RAT

Abstract

SUMMARY The effects of single and continuous administrations of a synthetic gluco-corticoid (dexamethasone) on eosinophil numbers and distribution have been studied. Absolute blood eosinophil counts were made, and the turnover of the eosinophils was examined by continuous infusion of tritiated thymidine to label the deoxyribonucleic acid of all newly formed cells. Dexamethasone equivalent to less than 200 μg. cortisone/100 g. rat/day produced disappearance of eosinophils from the blood and the normal output of glucocorticoids is therefore probably less than this. Single administrations of dexamethasone produced a blood eosinopenia within 2 hr. due to removal and destruction of eosinophils by the reticulo-endothelial system. Continuous dexamethasone administration reduced the number of proliferating eosinophil cells in the marrow, with a consequent reduction in the number of eosinophils in the tissues.