Expression of HLA DR antigens, Fc IgG and C3 receptors on lung macrophages in sarcoidosis and idiopathic lung fibrosis

The studies concerned an expression of HLA DR antigens, Fc IgG receptors and C3 complement on lung macrophages in patients with active sarcoidosis and idiopathic lung fibrosis as well as in the control group of smokers and nonsmokers. Macrophages were isolated by broncho-alveolar lavage with the aid of bronchofiberoscope. The expression of HLA DR antigens, Fc IgG and C3 receptors was tested before during and after the treatment. The percentage of macrophages with HLA DR antigens and Fc IgG receptors was observed to be high before the treatment in the examined as well as in the control groups. During steride treatment, the percentage of macrophages with HLA DR antigens and Fc IgG receptors diminished in relation to the control (p less than 0.05). After termination of the treatment, the percentage of macrophages with HLA DR antigens and Fc IgG receptors was lower than before the treatment. The differences in percentages of macrophages with C3 receptors did not achieve statistical significance in neither of the groups examined in the period of treatment.