Neonatal dexamethasone treatment induces long-lasting changes in T-cell receptor Vβ repertoire in rats

Glucocorticoids are frequently administered for the prevention of chronic lung disease in infants with respiratory distress syndrome. However, neonatal treatment may have consequences for immune functioning in the long-term. Here we demonstrate that neonatal glucocorticoid treatment has long-lasting effects on mRNA expression of several Vβ genes within the CD4 and CD8 T cell subset in rats. Changes in the peripheral T cell Vβ repertoire may be a consequence of altered intrathymic selection events in which corticosterone plays an important role. Indeed, here we show that neonatal glucocorticoid treatment affects corticosterone production by thymic epithelial cells during neonatal life. In conclusion, changes in T cell Vβ repertoire after neonatal glucocorticoid treatment may contribute to altered immune reactivity in later life.