[Morphological heterogeneity and functional status of the alveolar macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage during the development of tuberculous inflammation in guinea pigs].

Alveolar macrophages (AM) isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage of guinea pigs obtained in the course of generalized tuberculosis development was studied by electron microscopy. The protein content, activity of cathepsins B and D, as well as macrophage and neutrophil elastase activity have been determined. It was shown that during the first month of specific process development an influx of young biosynthesizing AM building up the lysosomal apparatus was observed; phagocytic, digesting and secretory functions of mature cells were enhanced. Progressing of tuberculosis was accompanied by the inhibition of biosynthetic processes in AM, a decrease in digesting and secretory functions, which were manifested at the biochemical and then at the electron microscopic levels and were of a prognostic value.