[Effect of Biostim on broncho-pulmonary cellular defense elements. Preliminary results of a study on broncho-alveolar lavage].

The purpose of our investigation is to evaluate the action of C 1740 (Biostim tablets) on bronchopulmonary cellular defense mechanisms through the study of bronchoalveolar lavage samples. C 1740 is a non-specific immuno-stimulant whose effectiveness in preventing suprainfection of chronic bronchopathies has been demonstrated in clinical studies. Ten patients (mean age 51.5 years; range 37 to 68) with a history of recurrent bronchial infections, but currently free of such disease, were randomly divided into two groups. Five constituted the control group and five were given Biostim (8 mg/day) for 15 days. In both groups a bronchoalveolar lavage with cytological and biochemical studies was done in each patient, at identical intervals (DO and D16). Despite technical difficulties due to bronchial obstruction, which partly hindered the study, significant differences were found between the two groups, showing quantitative and qualitative cellular changes in patients under Biostim, with increased cell, especially lymphocyte, counts. This may be the result of stimulation by Biostim of immunological reactions normally found during the course of bronchopulmonary infections and which undoubtedly play a part in preventing new episodes. These preliminary results need confirmation but throw light on one of Biostim's possible mechanisms of action upon immunological defenses.