[Chemoluminescence analysis of the functional state of blood phagocytes in silicosis and chronic dust-induced bronchitis].

Blood leukocyte function in patients with silicosis and chronic dust-induced bronchitis was examined by cellular chemiluminescence method for registration of free oxygen radical production. Significant differences in oxidation metabolism of blood neutrophils in the patients with these two nosologic entities were revealed. In silicosis blood phagocyte activation with silica particles in vitro activated production of active oxygen forms and chemiluminescent cells in all cases by 3 to 30 times. In chronic dust-induced bronchitis the production of active oxygen forms under the same conditions was either unchanged or enhanced but negligibly, the activation coefficient not surpassing 3. These data point to a new approach to the differential diagnosis between the above-mentioned conditions.