[The cytogenetic action of antilymphocyte globulin on the lymphocytes of bronchial asthma patients].

Chromosomal aberration levels and frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in peripheral blood lymphocytes were investigated for patients with bronchial asthma treated with antilymphocyte globulin (ALG). The significant elevation of chromosomal aberration levels and SCE frequencies were revealed as compared to the healthy controls. The significant differences in chromosomal aberration levels were not observed before and after the courses of ALG therapy. At the same time the SCE frequencies appeared to be significantly decreased after the course of ALG therapy. The similar effects were observed in studies in vitro. The data obtained may suggest that ALG at the used doses does not cause any significant cytogenetic damages in the examined patients.