Suppression of the Natural Killer Cell Activity of Murine Spleen Cell Cultures by Dexamethasone

Abstract

Investigations into the mode of action of glucocorticoids on natural killer (NK) cell activity have been hindered by the lack of an in vitro model system. We report that the NK activity of spleen cell cultures of several inbred strains of mice was suppressed by treatment with dexamethasone. The in vitro suppression of NK activity was time dependent, requiring at least 5 hr incubation in dexamethasone to achieve maximal levels of suppression, and was dose dependent at pharmacologic concentrations. Thus, based on the results of these studies, an in vitro model system for studying glucocorticoid effects on NK activity has been established.