RESUMO
In order to investigate the metabolic activity of alveolar macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from patients with extrinsic allergic alveolitis, pulmonary sarcoidosis, bronchogenic carcinoma, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, bronchial asthma and from sensitized asymptomatic persons, the quantitative and qualitative Nitroblue-tetrazolium test was used. There was observed a significant increase of the alveolar macrophage activity in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma, chronic bronchitis, sarcoidosis and extrinsic allergic alveolitis. The results of the investigation emphasize the central role of the alveolar macrophages in the triggering and regulation of the inflammatory reaction in the lung and consequently play an important role in the elucidation of pathogenic mechanisms in lung diseases.