[A case of pulmonary malignant fibrous histiocytoma in which cytokines exhibited high value by subculture].

A case of pulmonary malignant fibrous histiocytoma (PMFH) was experienced, and the tumor was subcultured in nude mice. Tumor cells were resected and cultured in medium containing RPMI 1640 and 10% FCS. As a result, in both the nude mice and in the cytokines, as supernatant in the tumorous cells, cultured using ELISA method or RIA method. IL-1 alpha, beta, TNF-alpha, GM-CSF, and in particular IL-6 and G-CSF, exhibited markedly raised values. Clinically, the leukocyte and platelet counts on admission showed markedly elevated values of 27,500/mm3 and 48.3 x 10(4)/mm3, respectively, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was increased of 67 mm in 1 hour. These findings corresponded to the physiological findings of elevated IL-6 and G-CSF levels. We have experienced two further patients with PMFH, in whom serum levels of IL-6 and G-CSF were markedly elevated. Some reports have been published on cytokine-generating tumors, but there is no report about cytokine generation in PMFH. We report this patient's very interesting clinical course, together with elevation of cytokine generation.