Increased eosinophil chemotactic activity in bronchial washes obtained from patients with asymptomatic allergic alveolitis.
The chemotactic activities of eosinophils and neutrophils were measured in bronchial washes obtained from 6 symptom-free patients with previous extrinsic allergic alveolitis and 9 healthy volunteers. An increased chemotactic activity was found in the washes obtained from the patients, and the recovery of eosinophils was correlated with the eosinophil chemotactic activity, suggesting a causal relationship. Chromatography of the fluids obtained suggested that low molecular weight compounds were principally responsible for the increased chemotactic activity. A mild disturbance of the integrity of the alveolocapillary barrier could to some extent add to the explanation of the increased chemotactic activity in the washes obtained from the patients.
Håkansson
L
L
Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Schmekel
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000542:Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic / Q000276:immunology*; D001980:Bronchi / Q000276:immunology*; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged