EFFECTS OF GLUCOCORTICOIDS IN RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS - DIMINISHED GLUCOCORTICOID RECEPTORS DO NOT RESULT IN GLUCOCORTICOID RESISTANCE

Objective. Lymphocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have diminished receptor density; thus, patients with RA should show parti al resistance to glucocorticoids. We investigated the glucocorticoid s ensitivity of lymphocytes in RA patients compared with healthy subject s. Methods. We determined the effects of glucocorticoids on lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine release. Results. Proliferation and cytoki ne release were inhibited in RA patients to the same extent as in heal thy controls. Conclusion. Diminished receptor density in RA patients d oes not result in glucocorticoid resistance.