Influence of hydrocortisone on granulocyte function and glucose metabolism.

Examination has been made of the influence of hydrocortisone on the in vitro phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Staphylococcus aureus by human neutrophils and the production of lactate and CO2 during phagocytosis of latex particles. In high concentrations, 0.5-2 mg per ml, hydrocortisone caused a significant reduction in the phagocytosis and the production of lactate. Neither the bactericidal activity nor the production of 14CO2 from (U-14C) glucose in phagocytizing leukocytes was influenced by these hydrocortisone concentrations.