Abstract
The primary effects of steroid hormones are on gene expression, but steroids have also been reported to interact with cellular membranes and affect their properties. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the hemorheological effects of treatment with hydrocortisone. Blood samples from 10 healthy subjects were incubated with Ringer's solution (control) or Ringer's solution + hydrocortisone (10 mg/L). Whole blood viscosity was studied in a rotational viscometer and erythrocyte filterability was measured in the St. George's Filtrometer. Addition of hydrocortisone resulted in a decreased whole blood viscosity (p<0.005), and a deteriorated erythrocyte filterability (p<0.005). An increased concentration of plasma triglycerides (p<0.02) and plasma total cholesterol (p<0.01) was also found upon addition of hydrocortisone. The concentration of sodium and potassium in plasma did not change. It is concluded that addition of hydrocortisone to concentrations occuring after commonly used therapeutic administration in man produces multiple hemorheological changes. A reduced red cell deformability seems to be balanced by other rheological changes to produce a net reduction of blood viscosity.
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