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Abstract
High-dose steroids are known to be potent modulators of the immune response. We accordingly
investigated the effect of therapeutic doses of 17β-oestradiol (E2) on cellular immune responses in postmenopausal women. Fifteen (15) healthy women
who had undergone a natural menopause were treated with E2 in the form of 100 mg estraderm patches applied twice weekly for 3 out of every 4
weeks over a 3-month period, followed by combined oestrogen and progestogen formulations
as long-term therapy. Blood samples were taken on two occasions prior to treatment
and at weeks 1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 12 and 24 after commencing therapy. Lymphocyte subsets
(CD2, CD4, CD8, CD19, HLA-DR and NK) were studied in each blood sample using a monoclonal
antibody kit and a two-colour fluorescence flow-cytometer. One-way mixed lymphocyte
reactions (MLRs) were performed using the same stimulator throughout. Delayed hypersensitivity
skin tests (DHTs) were carried out twice before treatment and at weeks 3, 4, 12 and
24 using Multitest 7-antigen kits (Institut Mérieux). Lymphocyte subsets did not change
significantly with treatment, but both the MLRs and the DHTs were significantly depressed,
maximally so by the third week of treatment. We conclude that therapeutic doses of
E2 modulate certain immune responses. The significance of this is discussed in the light
of the increasing use of long-term oestrogen replacement therapy.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
April 19,
1991
Received in revised form:
March 26,
1991
Received:
August 24,
1990
Identification
Copyright
© 1992 Published by Elsevier Inc.
