INFLUENCE OF DEXAMETHASONE ON LYMPHOCYTE-PROLIFERATION IN WHOLE-BLOODCULTURES OF NEONATES

The lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogen stimulation was measu red in cord blood cultures of term and preterm neonates. The lymphocyt e proliferative response increased 150-to 400-fold above baseline afte r stimulation with mitogens. Dexamethasone suppressed the lymphocyte p roliferative response in a concentration-dependent manner with conside rable suppression at concentrations applied during treatment of preter m neonates for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Dexamethasone and oth er corticosteroids tested in equipotent glucocorticoid concentrations suppressed the lymphocyte proliferative response to the same extent. W e conclude that dexamethasone treatment for BPD may well compromise im mune functions of preterm neonates.