[Measurement of gamma-interferon and its production capability in pleural effusion]

IFN gamma levels and IFN gamma production capability were studied. The results showed that IFN gamma levels, IFN gamma production in the tuberculous pleurisy (n = 30) were significantly higher than those in the malignant pleural effusion (n = 23) and the pleural transudate. However, there was no detectable IFN gamma in the blood, IFN gamma production were lower in the blood than in the pleural effusion. The finding suggests that IFN gamma may play an important role in local anti-mycobacterial infection.