Increased superoxide anion generation by alveolar macrophages stimulated with antigens associated with organic dusts. 
The gaseous phase cultures of alveolar macrophages (AMs) of guinea pig were exposed to the saline extracts of the dust-borne bacteria Micropolyspora faeni (syn.  Faenia rectivirgula) and Erwinia herbicola (syn.  Enterobacter agglomerans) which have been added at the concentration of 1 microgram/ml to culture medium with or without complement.  The effects of exposure on superoxide anion (O2-) production by AMs were assessed by the lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence method.  Both extracts caused significant (p less than 0.01) increase in O2- generation by AMs, as assessed by the 161-254% enhancement of chemiluminescence release comparing to control values.  The presence of complement augmented the production of O2-, which reached a peak at 3 hrs after initial exposure.  The possible significance of the generation of oxygen radicals in pathogenesis of the diseases due to exposure to agricultural dusts loaded with bacterial antigens is discussed.