Ultrastructural changes in the endothelium of lung capillaries during experimental pneumonia
Birkun, A.A.; Zagoruĺko, A.K.
Cor et Vasa 33(1): 75-81
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-8650 PMID: 1914469 Document Number: 386729
In 35 guinea pigs a model of pneumonia was produced by transtracheal introduction of a sterile string. Electron microscopic study revealed that in the early stage of pneumonia (3-14 days after onset) endothelial cells in the capillaries of alveolar walls develop changes aimed at intensification of their function in sustaining an enhanced transcapillary gas exchange. In the following stage (1-4 months) endothelial cells develop progressing dystrophic changes leading to structural and functional disturbance of the blood-oxygen barrier. The dystrophic changes in endothelial cells develop later than those in alveolar epithelium.