Investigation of the alveolar macrophages and T lymphocytes in 15 patientswith systemic sclerosis

The cell distribution and function of alveolar macrophages and T lymphocyte s were investigated in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of 15 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In alveolar macrophages, both spontaneous and PM A-stimulated TNF-alpha production were increased in SSc. PMA-induced IL-6 p roduction was also elevated. Spontaneous IL-6 excretion of scleroderma alve olar macrophages was similar to the controls. Yeast and C3b-coated yeast (o psonised yeast) phagocytosis, chemotaxis and Fc receptor activity of alveol ar macrophages were normal. The proportion of CD3, CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocyte subsets in the BAL was similar to the control values. The lymphocyte blast transformation index of the non-adherent cells deriving from the BAL fluid was markedly decreased.