[Effect of leukocytic interferon on the functional state of bronchoalveolar phagocytes in lung diseases]

A study was made of the effect of leukocytic interferon on the phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils in patients with chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis and sarcoidosis of the lungs. Cells isolated from the patients' bronchoalveolar washing off were used. It was concluded that short-term incubation of macrophages and neutrophils with interferon resulted in phagocytosis enhancement and increased intensity of metabolic processes in them. Interferon produced the most noticeable effect on cells with an initially reduced absorption capacity.