[La culture cellulaire en phase gazeuse. Un nouveau modèle expérimental d'étude in vitro des activités des macrophages alvéolaires].

Alveolar macrophages, collected by bronchopulmonary lavage and deposited on a membrane filter applied to the surface of a reservoir filled with nutrient medium, were maintained alive in direct contact with the atmosphere. Studies of morphology (using both optic and electron microscopy), of bactericidal activity and of ATP content confirmed the viability and vitality of the cell culture. This new experimental technique permits the in vitro reconstitution of the alveolar and bronchial microenvironment and offers a new method for the study of the cytotoxicity of toxic gases.