In vitro effect of glucocorticoids on phagocytic function of sheep alveolar macrophages.

The potentiation of infection is a recognized adverse effect of steroids. This study examined the in vitro effect of glucocorticoids on sheep alveolar macrophage phagocytic function, an essential means of cellular defence in the lungs, by evaluating the phagocytosis of zymosan particles after 30 min of contact between alveolar macrophages and steroids. Hydrocortisone, dexamethasone phosphate and methylprednisolone significantly reduced the phagocytic capability of sheep alveolar macrophages, but the effects of dexamethasone isonicotinate, prednisolone and flumethasone were less marked.