LEVELS OF AMINO-ACIDS AND RELATED-COMPOUNDS IN BRONCHOALVEOLAR LAVAGEFLUIDS OF ASTHMATIC-PATIENTS

The constituents of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid have been shown to reflect the presence and possible etiology of several pulmonary di seases. Presently, although research studies have reported the concent rations of cytokines and compounds such as major basic protein in BAL fluids, only the cellular elements, total protein, albumin, and immuno globulins have been well defined. We hypothesize that. amino acids and related amino compounds, well known participants in physiologic acid biochemical processes, are present in BAL fluid and may have involveme nt in asthma. Our objective was to extend knowledge of the total chemi cal profile and clinical value of BAL fluids In humans by measuring th ese amino compounds in normal control subjects and asthmatic patients, Analysis by high-pressure liquid chromatography revealed the presence of 25 compounds. A few compounds in control subjects and patients wer e found to have values > 1.0 nmol/ml, while the majority were present in comparatively low concentrations < 1.0 nmol/ml. Asparagine, phospho ethanolamine, and taurine were significantly increased in the asthmati c patients. We conclude that the present profile of amino acids and re lated amino compounds in BAL fluid serves as a potential diagnostic to ol in the study of various pulmonary disorders. The significance of in creased asparagine, phosphoethanolamine, and taurine in the asthmatic patients is discussed and deserves further study.