[Lipids and phospholipids in the fluid of broncho-alveolar lavage. Value for the study of alveolar penetration of corticosteroids by aerosol (author's transl)].

Broncho-alveolar lavages from 13 control subjects have been studied for the following parameters : phospholipids, free fatty acids, total last parameter, through the depolarisation of Diphenylhexatriene, is independent of the recovered volume. An identical study has been performed for two bronchiolo-alveolar cancers. A treatment with hydrocortisone-containing aerosol has been associated with an increase in phospholipid amount and a drastic decrease in microviscosity. This observation suggests that the synthesis of tensio-active phospholipids is dependant of corticoids by an enzymatic induction. The effect of therapeutics given in aerosol can be monitored by the biochemical and physical modification in broncho-alveolar fluids thus obtained.