Alveolar macrophages in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Selvaraj, P and Venkataprasad, N and Vijayan, V K and Prabhakar, R and Narayanan, P R (1988) Alveolar macrophages in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Lung India, 6 (2). pp. 71-74. ISSN Print: 0970-2113; Online: 0974-598X

Preview

PDF 198816.pdf - Published Version Download (40kB)

Abstract

Total and HLA-DR positive alveolar macrophages were enumerated in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluids of active pulmonary tuberculosis, inactive pulmonary tuberculosis (treated cases), nontuberculous lung disease patients and normal healthy individuals. A significantly increased number of macrophages was found in the patient groups than the normal individuals: however, there was no difference in HLA-DR positive cells. Among the different patient groups, smokers had more macrophages as well as more HLA-DR positive macrophages than non-smokers and normal subjects Total number of alveolar macrophages of the active tuberculosis non-smoker group was significantly higher than the inactive tuberculosis non-smoker group and normal individuals. On the contrary, a slightly decreased number of HLA-DR positive cells was seen in the non-smoker group of active-TB patients. The present study suggests that infection and smoking induce the accumulation of macrophages in the lung. The implication of these findings in relation to tuberculosis is discussed.

Actions (login required)

View Item