[The influence of organic dust on the chemotaxis of lung cells. Experimental studies].

Mechanisms of chemotaxis of alveolar macrophages (AMs) and neutrophils (PMNs) in response to microbial products derived from organic dust were studied using blindwell chemotaxis chamber technique. Seven different agents (extract and endotoxin of Erwinia herbicola, extracts from Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Aspergillus fumigatus, thermophilic protease and two preparations of glucans), were used for experiments. These agents were evaluated for their ability to direct attraction of AMs and PMNs and stimulation of alveolar macrophages to release chemotactic factors for other AMs and PMNs. The microbial products were able to attract both AMs and PMNs directly in a dose-dependent manner and the exposure of cultured AMs to most agents were stimulatory for production of chemotactic activity for AMs and PMNs. The generation and release of this activity by AMs may provide a mechanisms for the initiation and amplification of inflammatory reactions in the lung after inhalation of organic dust. Results of these in vitro studies may be relevant to the pathogenesis of alveolitis in organic dust-induced lung diseases.