Prolonged effects of large-dose methylprednisolone infusion in multiple sclerosis.

Three daily 1-gm doses of methylprednisolone were administered to 12 patients with multiple sclerosis. Granulocytes, lymphocytes, T and B lymphocytes, lymphocyte transformation in response to several mitogens and one antigen, plasma cortisol, and serum IgM and IgA all returned to baseline within a few days. However, total white blood count, unstimulated lymphocyte incorporation of 3H-thymidine, hematocrit, serum IgG, and cerebrospinal fluid IgG synthesis remained altered 1 week after the infusion. The relationship of these changes to any clinical effects is unknown.