Effect of glucocorticiod and glucocorticiod cytosolic receptors antagonist on the trend of apoptotic eosinophils

[Objective] To investigate the effects of glucocorticoid and glucocorticoid cytosolic receptors antagonist RU38486 on the phagocytosis of apoptotic eosinphils by A549 cells. [Methods] After 48 hours culture, apoptotic CD15 positive eosinphils were added to A549 cells which were pretreated with dexamethasone or RU38486 for engulfment. Calculated the ratio of engulfment under the light microscope with the cells which were fixed and stained. IL-6 and IL-8 in the supernate were measured by using radioimmunoassay method. [Results] The capacity of engulfment of A549 cells started enhancing at the 1 h of preincubation with dexamethasone reached the highest at the 4 h of preincubation. Glucocorticoid cytosolic xeceptors antagonist RU38486 inhibited the improved engulfment ability by dexametheson. [Conclusion] Dexamethesone improves the phagocyte capacity for apoptotic eosinophils of A549 cells by glucocorticoid cytosolic receptors.