[Broncho-alveolar lavage in uranium miners (author's transl)].

Abstract

This study on workers in a uranium mine is principally concerned with the characteristics of the cells recovered by LBA. First, alveolar macrophage function was studied (including viability, phagocytic activity, capillary adherence and migratory activity). Secondly the lymphocytes were identified as T, B, and then their mitogenic responses were studied; occurring spontaneously or in response to phytohemagglutinin or purified protein derivative. Finally, the biochemical aspects were examined (including immunoglobulins, total protein, albumin, phospholipids, potassium, calcium, magnesium, complement components, anti-proteases, etc.). We conclude that there were not demonstrable changes in cellular function in either smokers or non smokers in miners subjected to the ambient radiation of a uranium mine.