Abstract: Objective To evaluate the celluar basis of glucocorticoids accelerating the resolution of tuberculous pleural effusion. Methods In situ-endlabeling te chnique of fragmental DNA was used to detect the apoptosis dynamic features of t he lymphocytes in pleural effusion from patients with tuberculous pleurisy befor e anti-tuberculous therapy (group T),after sole anti-tuberculous therapy(group A),anti-tuberculosis in company with glucocorticoids therapy(group G) respecti vely.Results The lymphocytes of group T showed signs of apoptosis spontaneousl y and no signs of surviving cells was 91.4h and 147.6h respectively .The above times were shorten gradually by anti-tuberculous therapy.There were obvious difference between group T and group A after 9 days of therapy(P<0. 05).The above time of group A and group G were 85.3h/143.6h and 72.8h/121.3h res pectively(P<0.05) after 3 days of therapy, were 84.9h/137.1h and 65.4h/118.6 h respectively(P<0.01) after 6 days of therapy,were 81.2h/130.3h and 62.1h/1 13.4h respectively(P<0.05) after 9 days of therapy.Conclusion The lymphocyte apoptosis of tuberculous pleural effusion was in inhibitory st ate.The inhibitory state could be relieved by anti-tuberculous therapy graduall y,and the relieving process could be shor ted obviously by glucocorticoids.This effects of glucocorticoids may be the impo rtant celluar basis for accelarating the resolution of pleural effusion.

Key words: Tuberculosis,pleural, Glucocorticoids, Eymphocyte, Apoptosis