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Optimal yields of pulmonary macrophages (PuM) from lavage of normal murine lungs have been obtained by the study of several different lung lavage fluids. Approximately 1 X 10(6) PuM can be consistently recovered from mice weighing 20 to 30 g, using 15 ml of phosphate buffered saline with 0.1% EDTA, with or without 10% fetal calf serum at 37 degrees C. Use of Terasaki tray wells for monolayer formation has allowed a relatively small number of cells (75,000) to be used to prepare multiple replicate wells from each mouse. Simultaneous functional comparisons with other cell types, e.g., peritoneal macrophages (PeM) were performed using this practical and economical system. Data on the phagocytosis and killing of Candida albicans by PuM and PeM are presented as evidence of the utility of this miniaturized system.

In order to assess the cellular responses in the lung in murine pulmonary blastomycosis, serial lung lavages were performed in normal BALB/cByJ mice that had received an intranasal inoculation with 1 of 2 strains of Blastomyces dermatitidis of opposite virulence. The virulent strain, ATCC 26199, induced an increasing number of neutrophils recovered from the lung lavages. An early peak of incoming neutrophils was seen at 1 to 2 days, followed by a more rapid accumulation of intraalveolar neutrophils, until by the ninth day after infection, 80% of the cells recovered from the mice were neutrophils. In contrast, the avirulent strain, ATCC 26197, induced the same degree (20%) of neutrophil influx on Days 1 and 2. Thereafter, the percentage of neutrophils consistently declined, so that by Day 6 after inoculation, the differential counts were normal. The total number of cells recovered from the mice challenged with the virulent strain did not increase significantly until Day 4; then the total number of cells consistently increased until the experiment was terminated on Day 14. The total number of cells obtained from the mice challenged with the avirulent organism never exceeded the normal range. To assess the effects of nonviable inert particles, mice were given Sephadex G-25 beads by the intranasal route, and the total number of cells recovered from the lung lavage fluid and the differential counts were determined. The peak neutrophil influx occurred 6 h after aspiration of the beads, compared with 24 to 48 h with the fungi.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A case of reactivated paracoccidioidomycosis in an immunosuppressed host is described, the first association of this disease with renal transplantation. His presentation and clinical course was similar to the general experience with this mycosis. his response to ketoconazole was delayed when compared with that in non-immunosuppressed patients. Ketoconazole produced a dramatic resolution of all symptoms within 7 months. Serial determinations of paracoccidioides complement fixing antibodies showed falling titers, accurately reflecting his clinical status. Comparisons are made with other endemic mycoses in immunosuppressed patients. More cases of paracoccidioidomycosis in immunosuppressed patients can be expected to occur as immunosuppressive therapy becomes more common in areas endemic for Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and with current trends in migration and travel.

Strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed patients often requires prolonged administration of the antihelminthic, thiabendazole. The case described herein represents the first report of theophylline toxicity induced by concurrent administration of thiabendazole. Preliminary studies suggest that interference with theophylline clearance by thiabendazole may be the mechanism involved in this drug interaction.