Relationship between dexamethasone-inhibited lysozyme activity in peripheral mononuclear leukocytes and the cortisol and glucocorticoid receptor response to dexamethasone.

The assessment of lysozyme activity in mononuclear leukocytes (MNLs) following the in vitro administration of dexamethasone (DEX) provides a measure of peripheral glucocorticoid sensitivity. The goal of the present study was to determine the relationship between the IC(50) of lysozyme activity following such challenge, and the cortisol response to oral administration of 0.50 mg DEX in 18 healthy subjects.