[Detection of the activation of alveolar lymphocytes in alveolar proteinosis]

In 7 patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, differential cytology and lymphocyte subsets in BAL fluid were investigated. The study showed that pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is another disorder characterized by a lymphocytic alveolitis and activation of T-lymphocytes (expression of HLA-DR antigens and IL-2 receptors). Our data indicate that immunological mechanisms involving T-cell activation may contribute to be pathogenesis of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.