Suppression of the Shwartzman Phenomenon by Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and Cortisone: Quantitative Aspects

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Abstract
Summary: Pretreatment with ACTH or cortisone alters the Shwartzman phenomenon induced by Salmonella aertrycke filtrate. The size and the degree of edema of the inflammatory reaction in hormone-treated animals was decreased and small petechiae appeared within 24 hours following the intradermal injection of the bacterial filtrate. ACTH and cortisone inhibited the Shwartzman phenomenon; the degree of inhibition was proportional to the amount of hormone administered. Both hormones were more effective in inhibiting the Shwartzman phenomenon when hormone treatment was started prior to the intradermal injection of bacterial filtrate than when treatment was started after this injection. Significant inhibition of the various components of the inflammatory reaction was noted. This inhibition varied with the hormones used as well as with the time and dose schedules.