[Cytoimmunological changes in the bronchoalveolar lavage in silica exposure patients].

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in the group of 126 patients with the confirmed exposure to silica dust was investigated. The cytological and immunocytochemical methods as well as computer morphometry were used in this study. In the groups studied the differences in cell numbers and BAL cell activity were found, especially in the monocytes and macrophages group of cells (a case of macrophage inflammation of alveoli--alveolitis macrophagica).