Select the false statement about the effect of lymphopenia on the immune response following administration of immunosuppressive drugs like the corticosteroids. Select one: a. The immunosuppressive effect (lymphopenia) occurs 4 to 6 hours following drug administration and significantly reduces the number of circulating lymphocytes in the blood. b. Lymphopenia decreases the ability of lymphocytes to initiate and participate in an immune response. c. Corticosteroids increase the amount of lymphoid tissue and cells in the lymph nodes and spleen. d. None of these are false.

The correct answer is option C (Corticosteroids increase the amount of lymphoid tissue and cells in the lymph nodes and spleen).

Explanation:

Lymphopenia occurs when the white blood cell count in the bloodstream of an individual that defends the body from a harmful attack is lower than normal this could be due to different reasons, maybe the body has been previously invaded by viruses, bacterias or diseases that have already weakened the immune system, or the body is under siege from a prolonged illness. The white blood cell counts may be very low or severe which rightly indicates all is not well with the body.

Corticosteroid drugs are usually used to treat inflamed areas of the body and they cause those special defensive white blood cells in the blood cell count to be channeled effectively to the bone marrow.

White blood cells, bone marrow, spleen, are examples of lymphoid tissue and cells which support the way the immune system responds to attack.

Corticosteroids don't increase the amount of lymphoid tissue and cells in the lymph nodes and spleen when immunosuppressive drugs like corticosteroids are used for individuals with lymphopenia.