Inhibition of human neutrophil chemotaxis by corticosteroids.

A direct inhibitory effect of hydrocortisone on granulocyte chemotaxis has been demonstrated with an increasing inhibition between concentrations of 5 microgram to 12.5 microgram per ml. Washing the granulocytes after incubation with hydrocortisone did not reverse the inhibitory effect on chemotaxis indicating a direct cellular effect. Bacteriocidal capacity of the hydrocortisone treated cells was not reduced. These studies indicate corticosteroids, alter motility of granulocytes irreversibly possibly by incorporation into the cell membrane.