Paraphysiological Changes and Exogenous Agents

The process of phagocytosis is affected by a large number of conditions and agents. Indeed, in many situations, there is a change of susceptibility to infections. 

X-irradiation and impaired metabolism of leukocytes from guinea pig exudate have been demonstrated (SI). 

A variety of pharmacological agents have been investigated. The administration of corticosteroids is usually associated with enhancement of infections. It was found that bactericidal activity and HMP shunt activity of leukocytes were depressed following ACTH administration, whereas the glycolytic activity was not altered (S2). As a concomitant, increased 

Hydrocortisone was demonstrated to depress the bactericidal capacity of PMN in vitro, while methylprednisone failed to diminish neutrophil function below that of controls (FI), It is possible that a diminished risk of infection could be expected with the use of methylprednisone. However, the precise mechanisms of all these observed effects have not been defined. 

Bjbrksten, B., S6derstr6m, T, Damber, M.-G., von Schoultz, B., and Stigbrand, T., Polymorphonuclear leukocyte function during pregnancy. Scand. J. Immunol. 8, 257-262 (1978), 

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