In order to study the influence of the long term systemic administration of steroids upon the human immune systems, dermatologic diseases such as common type alopecia areata, chronic eczema, psoriasis vulgaris, pustulosis palmaris et plantaris etc. Which are thought at present not to be related with immune abnormalities, were chosen, and several immunological examinations were carried out in 125 cases. In was the blastgenesis of lymphocytes with PHA that was most highly impaired. Percent(%) blast. with PHA was reduced in 75% of all cases. Under the condition in which the medium was removed of steroids 45% of the cases still demonstrated lowered percent blast. Next highly impaired were lymphnodes which showed atrophy, fibrosis and fatdegeneration. On the other hand tuberculin reaction, the continuity of immunologic memory for DNCB, ability to produce the antibody to the typhoid vaccine and diphtheria toxoid were little affected by steroids. The number of peripheral lymphocytes, serum-gammaglobuline level, serum-immunoglobulin levels (except IgM) and primary anti-φX titer were slightly depressed. In DNCB sensitized subjects in which sensitization was thought to have been achieved the provocation was slightly affected. The secondary anti-φX titer was more decreased than the primary one. Most of impairments of immune systems induced by steroids were reversible, but the parts of the lymphnodechanges and of the percent blast.(PHA) were irreversible.
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