Effects of ammonium sulfate aerosol exposure on lung structure of normal and elastase-impaired rats and guinea pigs

摘要: Rats and guinea pigs, pretreated with intratracheally administered elastase or saline, were exposed to 1.03 mg/m/sup 3/ (NH/sub 4/)/sub 2/SO/sub 4/; MMAD, 0.42 ..mu..m. Identically treated controls sham exposed. Measurements evaluation of structural changes conducted using morphometric techniques on SEM photographs by applying subjective ratings. Pathology studies light electron microscopy. All examination methods confirmed elastase-induced emphysema, which was aggravated 4/ exposure in the rat. Ammonium sulfate saline-treated animals produced measurable degrees enlargement alveoli, alveolar ducts sacs. Electron microscopy revealed increased interstitial collagen affected lung areas elastase-treated, 4/-exposed animals. Alveolar-pore size significantly elastase-treated (control exposed) but not saline-treated, The data suggest a possible difference between mechanisms responsible for diameter structures. Hypertrophy hyperplasia nonciliated epithelial cells small airways Type II observed otherwise untreated pigs nor any rats. 12 references.