Lynx rufus

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Lymphocytes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have diminished receptor density; thus, patients with RA should show partial resistance to glucocorticoids. We investigated the glucocorticoid sensitivity of lymphocytes in RA patients compared with healthy subjects.METHODS: We determined the effects of glucocorticoids on lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine release.RESULTS: Proliferation and cytokine release were inhibited in RA patients to the same extent as in healthy controls.CONCLUSION: Diminished receptor density in RA patients does not result in glucocorticoid resistance.