Role of Cortisone in Regulation of Inflammation.

Abstract

SummaryBy investigation of experimentally induced allergic and traumatic inflammation in (a) adrenalectomized and (b) adrenalectomized and cortisone-treated animals, the role of the adrenals and of exogenous cortical hormone in the regulation of the cellular changes of the inflammatory process was evaluated. Adrenal cortical secretions and exogenous cortisone were demonstrated to inhibit allergic inflammation through an antiphlogistic action sui generic, rather than by interfering with the antigen-antibody union. It is suggested that this antiphlogistic action of cortisone accounts for the capacity of this hormone to minimize the consequences of a wide variety of unrelated inflammation producing stimuli.