Glutaraldehyde-induced occupational asthma: BALF components and BALF and serum Clara cell protein (CC16) changes due to specific inhalatory provocation test

Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) components and Clara cell protein (CC16) concentration in serum and BALF in patients with glutaraldehyde (GA)induced asthma, before and after a specific inhalatory provocation test (SIPT) with GA, in comparison to atopic asthmatics and healthy individuals. Methods Spirometry and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed before and after SIPT. The serum and BALF concentrations of CC16 and cytogram content in BALF were evaluated. Results In GA-sensitized asthmatics, the level of CC16 in BALF and serum was significantly lower at 24 h after SIPT in comparison with the values recorded prior to the experiment. There was a significant increase in the proportion of eosinophils, basophils and lymphocytes in BALF of GA-sensitized asthmatics obtained after SIPT. Conclusions The determination of CC16 either in serum or in BALF is a non-invasive test to detect Clara cell damage.