The effect of triamcinolone acetonide on the phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Using 3 H-thymidine-labeled bacteria, we investigated the phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). PMN were isolated from 50 asthmatic and bronchitic patients treated with triamcinolone acetonide (TA). In general, the dose of TA was limited to 80 mg with an interval of 6 weeks or longer between AT injections. The phagocytosis of the Staphylococcus aureus Cowen-3 by the isolated PMN was inhibited. The strongest suppression of phagocytosis was observed on the 3rd day; after 14 days the phagocytic activity returned to normal.