Inhibition of leukocyte superoxide anion production by cortisol administration to normal subjects.

Superoxide anion production was suppressed in leukocytes obtained at two or four hours following oral administration of 50 to 100 mg of cortisol to normal subjects. The suppression lasted at least 4 hours but was not present at 24 hours. The measurement of superoxide anion production by leukocytes appears to be a convenient method for the serial estimation of an important biologic effect of corticosteroids in human subjects.