Histologic studies of human skin test responses to ragweed and compound [formula omitted]: III. Effects of alternate-day steroid therapy

• Published in: Journal of allergy and clinical immunology Vol. 58; no. 6; pp. 657 - 663
• Main Authors: Zweiman, Burton, Slott, Robert I., Atkins, Paul C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mosby, Inc 1976
• ISSN: 0091-6749
• DOI: 10.1016/0091-6749(76)90177-9

Our previous studies have shown depressed eosinophil responses in skin test reactions to pollen antigens and compound 48 80 in those just completing a 1-wk course of daily steroids. Wheal reactions were unaffected. In this study, 6 ragweed-sensitive atopic subjects were studied before and on the seventh day (“day on”) and day 8 (“day off”) of a course of alternate-day steroids. Blood neutrophil levels rose on day 7 and were similar to baseline on day 8, whereas blood eosinophil levels were significantly reduced on both days 7 and 8. Neutrophil responses in skin test reactions were depressed on day 7 and normal on day 8. In contrast, the tissue eosinophil responses were depressed significantly, and to similar degree, on both days 7 and 8. These findings are of potential significance in evaluating the clinical effects of steroids in allergic diseases.