Short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide. Effects on pulmonary ultrastructure, compliance, and the surfactant system

摘要: A group of 13 beagles were artificially ventilated with air containing from 0 to 16 ppM NO/sub 2/ for one hr. Levels sbove 7 associated acute edema, higher wet weight/dry weight lung ratios, abnormal function, and decrease in cardiac output stroke volume. Where edema was present, regardless level, there less surface tension, although surfactant itself not destroyed. Also lower phospholipid content (36% as opposed 52% normal dog), lecithin (chief surfactant) increase unsaturated fatty acid composition noted. Some cell membrane damage found 5 animals exposed 3 12 but other parameters generally normal. Damage, evidenced by swelling cells mitochondria loss pinocytotic vesicles, scattered at increased exposures. Debris alveolar spaces. Acute effects apparently proportional occurred lowest concentration (3 ppM). Five 1 hr the apparent threshold serious effects. Impairment possibly due to: binding active sites, alteration sturcture, or dilution non-active lipidsmore » (e.g., cholesterol) damaged tissue plasma.« less