Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “BAL”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

[Influence of various factors on glucocorticoid receptors of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells from rabbits].

It is supposed that the effects of glucocorticoid on target cells are mediated by glucocorticoid receptors. Recent investigations have demonstrated that changes in the composition and function of immune cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells of patients with immunological lung diseases are associated with the intensity of alveolar septal inflammation, or indicate steroid responsiveness. In order to clarify the physiologic changes of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) we measured the GR content of BAL cells obtained from rabbits with various conditions of the host (aging, immunological activation, malnutrition and pretreatment with prednisolone). The specific binding to GR was carried out by incubating BAL cells with 1, 2, 4, 10, 20, 40 nM 3H-prednisolone in the presence or absence of 1.0 x 10(-6) M unlabeled prednisolone. BAL cells from rabbits of various ages exhibited age-dependent reduction of GR content. There were striking differences of GR content in BAL cells from normal and BCG-vaccinated rabbits. The former yielded 3124 +/- 365 binding sites per cell, whereas activated BAL cells showed considerably higher values (6807 +/- 766). Chronological changes in GR content in BAL cells were also observed in normal rabbits pretreated with intravenous injection of prednisolone (2 mg/kg). The GR content was lowest at 3 hours after administration, reaching a peak at two days and then returned to control level. As for nutritional modulation, GR content tended to increase in the initial phase of fasting (days 4 to 8), and then decreased after day 12. In contrast, there were no significant changes in dissociation constants among BAL cells from animals in normal, immunologically activated and malnourished conditions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aging↗
PubMed1995

Biochemical parameters in BAL of sarcoisosis.

UNLABELLED: Sarcoidosis can be presented to the physician as an active or silent disorder, which may resolve or lead to pulmonary fibrosis. Various serum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) markers have been suggested when trying to find one marker or a combination of markers which could be representative of the disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate a number of biochemical markers in comparison to cellular parameters in BAL of 45 patients with active or inactive sarcoidosis, as well as in 44 patients with other disorders and of 10 healthy volunteers. Moreover, in order to get insight into ACE activity in different compartments, ACE values in BAL and serum were compared. In active sarcoidosis BAL-procollagen-III-peptide was significantly increased in contrast to the very low values in inactive disease. In healthy volunteers procollagen-III-peptide levels were below the detection limit. In BAL no significant differences were found for beta-2-microglobulin, hyaluronan or ACE. Laminin in BAL was not detectable. Serum ACE, significantly enhanced in sarcoidosis, was not discriminative between active and inactive disease. IN CONCLUSION: only procollagen-III-peptide in BAL was found to discriminate between active and inactive disease. Besides cell differentiation and T-helper/suppressor cell (CD4/CD8) ratio in BAL, no further biochemical parameters pointing to disease or activity of disease were found.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Function and "homing" of the lung macrophages. I. Evidence of functional heterogeneity of mobile cells of the murine lung parenchyma in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).

The object of the present investigation was to extend fundamental understanding of the composition, function and origin of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells, and to reduce the considerable gaps in our existing knowledge. BAL cells from the B10.D2 mouse were identified by morphological, enzyme cytochemical and immunocytochemical methods and a further functional characterisation of macrophages was undertaken in vitro using latex phagocytosis. The possible bone marrow origin of BAL cells was investigated with a radiation chimera. The bone marrow from H2k-positive F1 mice (B10.BR x B10.D2) was transplanted into the irradiated H2k-negative parent animals. At various time intervals after transplantation, BAL cells were tested immunocytochemically for the presence of H2k-positive cells. The principal finding was that BAL cells are functionally heterogeneous. It was possible by morphological, enzyme cytochemical and immunocytochemical techniques to subdivide the total BAL cell count into 89% macrophages, 8.5% lymphocytes and 2.5% granulocytes. Only 14.3% of the macrophages expressed the corresponding epitope, and this small population could be further subdivided immunocytochemically into mature and immature (7:1) macrophages. The ability to phagocytose, which is typical of active macrophages, could be induced in vitro in only one-third of all BAL macrophages. Three-quarters of the macrophages carried the H2d antigen and 9.5% of the BAL cells were natural killer cells showing a macrophage phenotype. Subdivision of the lymphocytes showed a significant majority of T-cells (75%) to B-cells (20%), and 5% Asialo GM1-positive cells. The CD4/CD8 ratio amounted to 1.3:1 and 38% of the lymphocytes expressed on the surface the H2d antigen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Interference by 2, 3-dimercapto-1-propanol (BAL) in angiotensin I radioimmunoassay.

The angiotensinase inhibitor 2,3-dimercaptopropanol (BAL) interferes with peptide-antibody binding when certain sensitive antisera are used in angiotensin I radioimmunoassay systems. Three of nine antisera tested showed sufficient interference to produce serious errors in data obtained using these antisera together with BAL. For PRA determinations in human plasma, at both pH 5.7 and pH 7.3, relationships between different PRA'S are altered, and results of renin stimulation tests are changed in unpredictable ways. Determination of renin concentration in rat plasma does not require use of BAL as inhibitor, and it is best avoided. For human plasma renin determinations, use of BAL-sensitive antisera should be avoided, since there is no satisfactory way to correct data for the resulting error. BAL itself, rather than its oxidation products, is probably the interfering substance. The interference appears to be due to an interaction between BAL and the BAL-sensitive antiserum. It is not related to the known actions of BAL as chelating or reducing agent.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1987

Levels and specificity of antibody in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and serum in an animal model of trimellitic anhydride-induced lung injury.

A study was undertaken to characterize the antibody response in rats exposed to trimellitic anhydride (TMA) by inhalation. Total antibody levels directed to trimellitic rat serum albumin (TM-RSA) from TMA-exposed rats were assayed by an ammonium sulfate technique. Total antibody levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and the matched serum were compared by correction for the albumin content of each. An ELISA was developed to detect IgG, IgA, and IgM directed toward TM-RSA in BAL and serum and to compare class-specific antibody levels in BAL and serum by normalizing for albumin content. The specificity of the rat IgG response was determined by ELISA inhibition with TM-RSA and TM-human serum albumin (TM-HSA) and compared with reciprocal inhibition studies with serum from TMA-exposed workers. The levels of total antibody in BAL were three to 15 times greater than the levels found in the matched serum pair. IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies were detected in the BAL and the serum of TMA-exposed rats but not in control rats. In each of the four rats tested, all antibody classes were present in equal or greater amounts in the BAL than in the serum. Complete inhibition of the rat IgG binding in ELISA was observed when TM-RSA or TM-HSA were added as inhibitors. Human IgG was inhibited in ELISA only by TM-HSA. In an animal model of human lung disease, the levels of total antibody as well as class-specific antibodies directed against TM-RSA were greater in BAL than in serum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Bronchoscopic diagnosis of pulmonary infiltrates in granulocytopenic patients with hematologic malignancies: BAL versus PSB and PBAL.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of patients with hematologic malignancies is often complicated by severe respiratory infections. Bronchoscopy is generally to be used as a diagnostic tool in order to find a causative pathogen. OBJECTIVES: In a prospective study the combination of protected specimen brush (PSB) and protected bronchoalveolar lavage (PBAL) was compared with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for evaluated feasibility and diagnostic yield in granulocytopenic patients with hematologic malignancies and pulmonary infiltrates. METHODS: All specimens from 63 bronchoscopic procedures (35 BAL and 28 PSB-PBAL) were investigated by cytological examination and various microbiological tests. If clinically relevant and feasible, based on the clinical condition and/or the presence of thrombocytopenia, lung tissue samples were obtained. RESULTS: The majority of the 58 included patients were diagnosed as having acute myeloid leukaemia and developed a severe neutropenia (BAL-group: 27 days; PSB-PBAL group: 30 days). Microbiological and cytological examination of 63 bronchoscopic procedures (35 BAL and 28 PSB-PBAL) yielded causative pathogens in 9 (26%) patients of the BAL-group and 8 (29%) patients of the PSB-PBAL group (PSB and PBAL 4 each). Aspergillus fumigatus was the pathogen most frequently (13%) detected. Using all available examinations including the results of autopsy, a presumptive diagnosis was established in 43% of the patients in the BAL group and 57% of those in the PSB-PBAL group; in these cases microbial aetiology was correctly identified in 67% and 57%, respectively. The complication rate was of these procedures were low, and none of the patients experienced serious complications due to the invasive techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that modern bronchoscopic techniques such as PSB and PBAL did not yield better diagnostic results compared to BAL in granulocytopenic patients with hematologic malignancies and pulmonary infiltrates. In approximately half of the cases a presumptive diagnosis was made by bronchoscopic procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Identification of the BAL-labile factor.

One of us has previously reported that treatment of the Keilin and Hartree heart-muscle preparation with 2,3-dimercaptopropanol (BAL), in the presence of air, leads to the complete inactivation of the succinate oxidase system with little if any effect on the activities of succinate dehydrogenase (until more than half the BAL was oxidized) or cytochrome c oxidase. The inactivation of the complete succinate oxidase system requires the oxidation of BAL by air in the presence of the enzyme. It is not caused by H2O2 or BAL disulphides produced during the oxidation of BAL. Spectroscopic studies identified the block as lying between cytochromes b and c. It was suggested that a BAL-labile factor is present which transfers electrons from cytochrome b to cytochrome c and which is destroyed by coupled oxidation with BAL. The factor is also required for NADH oxidation. Subsequent work showed it is not identical with cytochrome c1 (ref. 4), myoglobin present in the preparation or the antimycin-binding site. We report here that this factor is identical to the iron-sulphur protein in the central portion of the respiratory chain first identified by Rieske.

Cell-Free System↗
PubMed1995

Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in sera and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids of extrinsic allergic alveolitis.

ICAM-1 plays an important role in inflammatory diseases. We analysed ICAM-1 expression on BAL fluid cells and measured soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) concentrations in sera and BAL fluids from patients with extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA). We found significantly increased cellular ICAM-1 expression on BAL fluid lymphocytes and alveolar macrophages, and significantly increased values of circulating and BAL fluid sICAM-1 in EAA patients compared with controls. Successive measurement showed prompt decrease of both sICAM-1 values in EAA patients during periods when antigen exposure was prevented. In BAL fluids from EAA patients, sICAM-1 values significantly correlated to neutrophil and ICAM-1+ lymphocyte counts. In EAA patients, circulating and BAL fluid sICAM-1 values has significant negative correlations to values of carbon monoxide diffusing capacity and to time intervals between last episode and sample collection. However, these values had significant positive correlation to values of alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference. In EAA, antigen exposure appears to induce cellular ICAM-1 expression on BAL fluid cells, and also appears to up-regulate shedding of ICAM-1 in the alveolar lining fluid and in the circulation. The sICAM values appear to reflect disease activity of EAA.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

The site of inhibition of the chloroplast electron-transport system by 2,3-dithiopropan-1-ol (BAL).

BAL (2,3-dithiopropan-1-ol) treatment of chloroplasts has previously been reported to induce a block in electron transport from water to NADP+ at a site preceding plastocyanin [Belkin et al. (1980) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 766, 563-569]. In the present work the block was further characterized. The following properties of BAL treatment are described. Inhibition of electron transport from water to lipophilic acceptors but not to silicomolybdate. Inhibition of the slow, sigmoidal phase of chlorophyll a fluorescence induction. Inability of N,N,N',N',-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine to bypass the inhibition of NADP+ photoreduction with water as the electron donor. Inhibition of electron transport from externally added quinols to NADP+. Inhibition of cytochrome f reduction by photosystem II, but not its oxidation by photosystem I. Inhibition of cytochrome b6 turnover and cytochrome f rereduction after single-turnover flash illumination under cyclic electron-flow conditions. The BAL-induced block is therefore located between the secondary quinone acceptor (QB) and the cytochrome b6f complex. It was further found that (a) the isolated cytochrome complex is not inhibited after BAL treatment; (b) BAL-reacted plastoquinone-1 inhibits electron transport in chloroplasts; (c) BAL does not inhibit electron transport in chromatophores of Rhodospirilum rubrum or Rhodopseudomonas capsulata. It is suggested that the inhibition of electron transport in chloroplasts results from specific reaction of BAL with the endogenous plastoquinone.

Bacterial Chromatophores↗
PubMed2004

BAL eotaxin and IL-5 in asthma, and the effects of inhaled corticosteroid and beta2 agonist.

OBJECTIVE: In a longitudinal ex vivo placebo-controlled study, asthmatics already treated with inhaled corticosteroid received supplemental long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) or increased doses of their inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Previously reports have shown significant reductions in biopsy eosinophil numbers after treatment with LABA. Following these findings, eosinophil chemokines eotaxin and IL-5 in the BAL fluid at baseline and after 3 months of study medication have now been measured, and these data with that from new cross-sectional controls have also been compared. It is hypothesised that changes in airway eosinophils would be related to eosinophil cytokines. METHODOLOGY: BAL cytokines were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while eosinophils were measured by immunohistochemistry or differential cell counting. For all measures, longitudinal data were compared to that from ICS-free asthmatics (n = 42) and non-asthmatic controls (n = 28). RESULTS: BAL eotaxin in asthmatics was elevated above non-asthmatic levels regardless of ICS levels. BAL IL-5 was elevated in ICS-free asthmatics, but not in asthmatics on low-dose ICS treatment. Longitudinally, BAL eotaxin was unchanged after 3 months. Unexpectedly, IL-5 increased after 3 months of additional LABA treatment but was not further affected by increasing the dose of ICS. Airway eotaxin seemed to be constitutively raised in asthmatics, whereas, IL-5 levels were more steroid-responsive. No relationship was observed between eosinophils and eosinophilic cytokines in the BAL. CONCLUSIONS: While the elevation of luminal IL-5 with LABA treatment cannot be accounted for, it may have contributed to luminal clearance of airway wall eosinophils. The lack of correlation between airways eosinophils and eosinophilic cytokines in the BAL is particularly important.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1997

TCR V beta families in T cell clones from sarcoid lung parenchyma, BAL, and blood.

The TCR repertoire and the CD4/CD8 ratio of clones from peripheral blood (PB), transbronchial biopsies (TBB), and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of 16 sarcoid patients was analyzed by staining the clones with monoclonal antibodies against nine V beta-families. We observed a striking increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio of the clones from BAL; whereas the CD4/CD8 ratio of the clones from PB was in the normal range. The CD4/CD8 ratio of the TBB-clones had also increased, but this increase did not reach the level of that of the BAL clones. The most prominent changes in the V beta percentages could be detected in the CD4+ subpopulation of the BAL-clones. The most abundant V beta families were V beta 5 in PB and BAL (11.8 and 28.6%, respectively) and V beta 6 in the TBB (12.4%). A similar compartmentalized V beta usage could be demonstrated in one patient with tuberculosis and one patient with HP. The increase in V beta 5, V beta 8, V beta 12, V beta 13.3, and V beta 19 in the BAL and the increase of V beta 5, V beta 6, V beta 13.3, and V beta 19 in the TBB suggest an antigen-driven activation of the T cells in both compartments. Differences in the V beta percentages between BAL and TBB and the lower CD4/CD8 ratio in the TBB, however, demonstrate a relative independence of the two compartments.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2007

CD4/CD8 ratio and cytokine levels of the BAL fluid in patients with bronchiectasis caused by sulfur mustard gas inhalation.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze cytokine levels in BAL fluid of patients with bronchiectasis due to mustard gas inhalation. PATIENTS: 29 victims with mustard gas-induced bronchiectasis and 25 normal veterans as control group. INTERVENTION: PFTs,, high-resolution CT scans of the chest, analyses of BAL fluids for five cytokines (IL-8, IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-12) and analyses of BAL fluids for cellular and flow-cytometric analysis of the phenotype of bronchoalveolar cells were performed in all cases. RESULTS: CD4 lymphocytes expressed as percentage or absolute number were significantly higher in patients with bronchiectasis than in controls (32.17 +/- 16.00 vs 23.40 +/- 6.97%, respectively; p = 0.01; and 3.31 +/- 2.03 vs 1.88 +/- 0.83 x 10(3) cells/ml, respectively; p = 0.001). The CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly higher in patients with bronchiectasis than in controls (3.08 +/- 2.05 vs 1.68 +/- 0.78; p = 0.002). There were significant differences in cytokine (IL-8, IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-12) levels of BAL fluid between patients with bronchiectasis and healthy controls.A significant correlation was observed between the HRCT scores and both the percentage and the absolute number of CD4 lymphocytes in BAL fluid in patients with bronchiectasis (r = -0.49, p = 0.009; r = -0.50, p = 0.008; respectively). HRCT scores showed a significant correlation with CD4/CD8 ratios (r = 0.54, p = 0.004) too. Of measured BAL cytokines, only IL-8 (r = -0.52, p = 0.005) and TNF-aalpha (r = 0.44, p = 0.01) showed significant correlations with the HRCT scores. CONCLUSION: The increased levels of cytokines CD4 lymphocytes in the BAL fluid suggest the possible causative mechanism in the lung in sulfur mustard gas-induced bronchiectasis by the recruitment of neutrophils into the lung.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Plasma and BAL cytokine response to corticosteroid rescue treatment in late ARDS.

BACKGROUND: In late ARDS, a persistent and exaggerated inflammatory response causes recurrent injury to the alveolocapillary barrier and amplification of intra-alveolar fibroproliferation. When ARDS patients fail to improve, corticosteroid (CS) rescue treatment frequently leads to rapid improvements in lung function. We tested the hypothesis that response to CS treatment is related to suppressing the inflammatory response by comparing changes in lung function to inflammatory cytokine (IC) levels in the plasma and BAL. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 of ARDS, and on days -5, -3, 0 (initiation of treatment), +3, +5, +7, +10, and +14 of CS treatment. Bilateral BAL was obtained on day 1 of ARDS, before administration of CS treatment, and at weekly intervals. We analyzed changes in IC levels during CS treatment in relation to improvements in lung injury score (LIS), indices of endothelial permeability, and final outcome. We also analyzed data to identify timing to a significant reduction in plasma IC levels and predictors of response. RESULTS: Nine patients entered the study. CS treatment was initiated 15 +/- 9 days into ARDS. Improvement in LIS (> 1-point reduction) was rapid (< 7 days) in five, delayed (< 14 days) in two, and absent in two. Baseline plasma and BAL IC levels in study patients were similar to a previously reported comparison group of 12 ARDS nonsurvivors. No significant changes in plasma and BAL IC levels were observed before CS administration. Following initiation of CS treatment, significant reductions in plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were seen by day 7 in both rapid and delayed responders (p = 0.03). IL-1 beta was significantly reduced by day 5 (p = 0.04) in rapid responders and by day 10 (p = 0.03) in delayed responders. In responders, improvement in LIS and BAL albumin paralleled reduction in plasma and BAL IC levels. At initiation of treatment, rapid responders had significantly lower tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-6 levels. Nonresponders had a significantly higher plasma IL-6 level on days 1 to 3 of ARDS (p = 0.004) and lower ratio of arteriolar oxygen tension to inspired oxygen concentration at initiation of treatment (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with late ARDS and a low likelihood of survival, prolonged corticosteroid rescue treatment was associated with a reduction in plasma and BAL IC levels and parallel improvements in indices of endothelial permeability and LIS.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Assessment of hazardous dust exposure by BAL and induced sputum.

OBJECTIVES: BAL, an important tool in assessing occupational lung diseases, is unsuitable for screening programs, exposure evaluation, or monitoring hazardous dust because it is an invasive technique. The results of induced sputum (IS) analysis were compared with BAL and evaluated as a possible alternative. METHODS: We compared BAL with IS analysis of 5 workers exposed to asbestos and 14 exposed to silica and hard metals. Pulmonary function tests and BAL were performed by conventional methods. IS induction was performed after a 20-min inhalation of 3.5% saline solution with an ultrasonic nebulizer. Giemsa-stained cytopreparations were differentially counted. T-lymphocyte subsets were analyzed by flow-activated cell sorter, and messenger RNA (mRNA) was transcribed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Mineralogic particles were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and polarizing light microscopy and quantified by an analyzer. RESULTS: The percentage of neutrophils was significantly lower in BAL fluid than in IS specimens, whereas no differences were found in the percentage of lymphocytes and subsets profile. Asbestos fibers were found in BAL but not in IS samples from workers exposed to asbestos. Polarizing particles were found in both samples. Similar mineral elements were found in qualitative analysis by scanning electron microscopy. Quantitative studies showed similar size distribution with a small shift toward larger particles in sputum; mRNA showed the same cytokine profile. CONCLUSIONS: A comparison of BAL and IS specimens in the evaluation of the study population yielded similar quantitative and qualitative results. Further research is needed to evaluate the hypothesis that IS, being a noninvasive technique, may be useful in monitoring exposed workers.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Clara cell secretory protein. Levels in BAL fluid after smoking cessation.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The bronchiolar Clara cell is a major target for tobacco smoke exposure. To improve our understanding of the putative regenerative/repair mechanism(s) in the bronchiolar epithelium, we measured the levels of the Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) in BAL fluid in healthy volunteers following smoking cessation. DESIGN: BAL was performed before smoking cessation, and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 months following smoking cessation, in eight healthy volunteers with a previous mean cigarette consumption of 19 pack-years. The levels of CCSP in BAL fluid were assessed in immunoblotting experiments using an antibody against human CCSP. RESULTS: Significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of CCSP in BAL fluid were observed at 3, 6, and 9 months after smoking cessation, while the levels of CCSP in BAL fluid at 15 months after smoking cessation were the same as those before smoking cessation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the long history of smoking among patients in the present study group, signs of early regeneration in the bronchiolar epithelium were noted, in that the levels of CCSP in BAL fluid were elevated at the indicated time points following smoking cessation. Furthermore, we propose that the insult to the bronchiolar epithelium made by cigarette smoking caused the levels of CCSP in the BAL fluid at 15 months after smoking cessation to return to the levels noted before smoking cessation. The present study suggests a role for CCSP as a marker for nonciliated bronchiolar cell function.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[BALF from two different lung segments indicated by high resolution computer tomography (HRCT) in patients with sarcoidosis. III. Correlation between pulmonary function tests and HRCT changes and BAL cell count].

In 28 patients with sarcoidosis patients (14 F, 14 M aged 19-54) lymphocytes subpopulations were estimated in double BAL from two lung segments: with the most (s.A) and with the least (s.B.) extensive involvement estimated by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT). HRCT score for whole lung correlated negatively with DCO (r = 0.46, p < 0.05), D/VA (r = -0.46 p < 0.05), Cstat (r = -0.57, p < 0.05) and Cdyn (r = 0.-057, p < 0.01). HRCT-score for lung segments A and B did not correlate with BAL-cell count and lymphocytes subsets from these segments. The relationship between percentage of lymphocytes HLA-DR in BAL from s.A and d(A-a)O2 (r = 0.38, p < 0.05) and the relationship between absolute number of CD25 in BAL from s.A and DCO (r = -0.38, p < 0.05) were observed. The percentage of lymphocytes in BAL from s.B correlated negatively with D/VA (r = -0.40, p < 0.05) and the percentage of HLA-DR lymphocytes in BAL from s.B. correlated negatively with Cdyn (r = -0.45, p < 0.05). Our results suggests usefulness of HRCT in estimation of sarcoidosis advancement but not in it's activity and indicate the careful interpretation the relationships between BAL results from only one lung segment and pulmonary function parameters.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Inflammatory BAL-fluid and serum parameters in HLA DR17 positive vs. DR17 negative patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: We have previously shown that HLA DR17 is associated with a favourable prognosis in Scandinavian sarcoidosis patients. By studying inflammatory parameters in these patients we wished to increase the knowledge of the involved mechanisms that may underlie good prognosis. METHODS: BAL was performed in 118 sarcoidosis patients, 67 HLA DR17 positive and 51 DR17 negative. BAL cell profile was analysed. The CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte phenotype was determined by flow cytometry. BALF-albumin, BALF-fibronectin (FN) and BALF-procollagen III aminoterminal peptide (PIIINP) were analysed by nephelometric, ELISA and RIA methods respectively. Neopterin and soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL2R) in serum were also determined by ELISA. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in serum was analysed by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: In DR17+ patients, BAL lymphocytes and eosinophils were significantly decreased (median 30.2 and 0.19 x10(6)/L) compared to DR17- (median 50.2 and 0.64 x 10(6)/L respectively). However the BAL CD4/CD8 ratio was increased in the DR17+ group compared to DR17- (6.2 vs. 4.3). BALF-albumin, FN and PIIINP did not differ between the groups. Serum parameters were decreased in DR17+ patients compared to DR17- (ACE median 28.7 vs. 35.1 U/L, neopterin 9.1 vs. 12.7 nmol/L and sIL2R 296 vs. 605 U/L). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that an increased BAL CD4/CD8 ratio, in contrast to BAL lymphocytosis, was seen in a subgroup of sarcoidosis patients earlier associated with a favourable prognosis. Our results support that an increased BAL CD4/CD8 ratio is a favourable parameter in sarcoidosis. The lower ACE activity in the DR 17+ group indicates a reduced granuloma burden in this patient subgroup.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Bal T lymphocyte subsets are reduced in primary lung neoplasias.

Direct observation with an optic fibre bronchoscope facilitates the diagnosis, staging and treatment of both neoplastic and other lung diseases, and the varying diameters available enable IVth or even Vth-order bronchi to be examined. The technique can be employed for deep lung lavage or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and for transbronchial biopsy. The BAL fluid, too, can be used to study lung cells and soluble components. In this study, 21 patients aged 32-79 (mean 55.5), namely 16 with lung cancer and with non-neoplastic lung diseases, were subjected to BAL to allow a study to be made of the BAL fluid cell composition. In the neoplastic group, CD3 lymphocytes were 41.3% compared with 63.2% in the peripheral blood. CD4 (24.6% vs 40.6%) and CD8 (16.6% vs 28.7%) displayed the same pattern. The CD4/CD8 ratio, on the other hand, was much the same in both groups: 1.7 vs 1.5. CD19 were higher in the BAL fluid (20.1%) than in the peripheral blood (4.8%). In the non-neoplastic group the differences between the BAL fluid and the peripheral blood are of the same sign, but less marked. In conclusion, the BAL fluid subset composition in primary lung neoplasia differs from that in the peripheral blood through a reduction of CD3, CD4 and CD8 and an increase in CD19 compared with the peripheral blood. These modifications are less evident in patients with non-neoplastic lung diseases.

Adult↗