Leukocyte migration inhibition test in drug-induced pneumonitis
Suzuki, K.; Rahman, S.G.; Akoun, G.M.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 30(1): 76-81
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-1542 PMID: 1625399 Document Number: 398085
The leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT) was performed in 8 cases of presumed drug-induced pneumonitis. The drugs involved were amiodarone in 3 cases, methotrexate in 2 cases, and fenofibrate, nadolol, and gold salt, each in one case. The agarose microdroplet technique for photoelectric readings of leukocyte migration inhibition was applied in the presence of a wide range of drug concentrations. LMIT was found to be positive in 6 of the 8 cases (75%). The presence of a positive LMIT indicates the elaboration of leukocyte migration inhibitory factor. These results suggest that cell-mediated immunity may play a role in the pathogenesis of drug-induced pneumonitis and that LMIT may be useful for the detection of causative drugs in patients with this condition.