Structure and function adaption of lung in Phrynocephalus vlangalii by multiple mechanisms / Estructura y adaptación funcional del pulmón en Phrynocephalus vlangalii por múltiples mecanismos

SUMMARY: Respiration and water-liquid transportation are controlled by many factors in the lung. The aim of this study was to explore the structure and proteins expression in lungs of Phrynocephalus vlangalii by means of gross anatomy, light microscope observation, scanning electron microscope and immunohistochemistry. Results show that there were many alveoli in the lung and the walls of alveoli and capillaries were very thin. The inner surface of the lung was divided into many cystic chambers by reticular diaphragm, and the network of pulmonary capillaries was dense. Immunohistochemistry showed that AQP1 was mainly expressed in the epithelium of interstitial bronchi, parabronchiole endothelium, capillary endothelium and alveolar epithelial cells. VIP positive nerve fibers are mainly distributed in trachea, bronchial smooth muscle layer, the walls of pulmonary vessels and bronchial vessels and around submucosal glands. CECR2 is distributed in peripheral capillaries and small. Investigations of structure and proteins biology could be relevant with the adaptive strategy to drought and hypoxia environment in Phrynocephalus vlangalii.

La respiración y el transporte de agua y líquido están controlados en el pulmón por muchos factores. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la estructura y la expresión de proteínas en los pulmones de Phrynocephalus vlangalii por medio de la anatomía macroscópica, observación con microscopio óptico, microscopio electrónico de barrido e inmunohistoquímica. Los resultados muestran que había muchos alvéolos en el pulmón y que las paredes de los alvéolos y de los capilares eran muy delgadas. La superficie interna del pulmón estaba dividida en cámaras quísticas por el diafragma reticular y se observó una densa red de capilares pulmonares. La inmunohistoquímica mostró que AQP1 se expresaba principalmente en el epitelio de los bronquios intersticiales, el endotelio parabronquial, el endotelio capilar y las células epiteliales alveolares. Las fibras nerviosas VIP positivas se distribuyen principalmente en la tráquea, la capa de músculo liso bronquial, las paredes de los vasos pulmonares y los vasos bronquiales y alrededor de las glándulas submucosas. CECR2 se distribuye en pequeño capilares periféricos. Las investigaciones de la biología de la estructura y las proteínas podrían ser relevantes con la estrategia de adaptación al entorno de sequía e hipoxia en Phrynocephalus vlangalii.

The architecture of alveolar capillaries in the lungs of bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) / Arquitectura de los capilares alveolares de pulmones de camellos bactrianos (Camelus bactrianus)

SUMMARY: The Bactrian camel, which is native to China and Mongolia, is large in size and is an even-toed ungulate species. The double humps on the Bactrian camel back differentiate it from the dromedary camel, which has a single hump. This species has adapted to unsuitable conditions (lack of food and water) in the Gobi Desert and is advanced in unique anatomical and physiological characteristics during a prolonged evolution period. Several studies have been conducted on the anatomical features of the Bactrian camel, but none have given attention to the alveolar capillaries of the Bactrian camel lung. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the architecture of the alveolar capillary in the Bactrian camel lung and further explain the mechanism of blood flow in its lung. The current study extracted and examined the architecture of the alveolar capillary in the lung of the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) and further explained the mechanism of blood flow by performing lung casting and replica scanning electron microscopy methods. The reports showed that the resources of the alveolar-capillary originated from the capillaries of the subpleural space or interlobular septulum, sometimes originating from the precapillary arterioles or directly from the terminal arterioles. The alveolar capillaries anastomosed and formed a single layer of dense, basket-like network surrounding the alveolus. The mash diameter of the alveolar-capillary network was larger than that of the capillary, and the appearance of the mash was oval and elliptical. Many of the collapsed alveolar-capillary networks were found in the alveolar microvascular architecture in the lung of the Bactrian camel. The study found that, due to many collapsed alveoli in the Bactrian camel lung, the disproportional pressure between the pulmonary alveoli induced less imbalance of blood flow in the alveolar capillary, which affected the gas exchange efficiency. Therefore, the function of the anastomosing capillary branch was likely to regulate the blood flow between the alveolar-capillary network.

RESUMEN: El camello bactriano, es originario de China y Mongolia, es de gran tamaño y es una especie de ungulado de dedos pares. Las dobles jorobas del lomo del camello bactriano lo diferencian del dromedario, que tiene una sola joroba. Esta especie se ha adaptado a condiciones inadecuadas (falta de alimento y agua) en el desierto de Gobi y ha avanzado en características anatómicas y fisiológicas únicas durante un período de evolución prolongado. Se han realizado varios estudios sobre las características anatómicas del camello bactriano, pero ninguno ha prestado atención a los capilares alveolares del pulmón de este animal. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo principal explorar la arquitectura del capilar alveolar en el pulmón del camello bactriano y explicar el mecanismo del flujo sanguíneo. A partir de nuestro trabajo se examinó la arquitectura del capilar alveolar en el pulmón del camello bactriano (Camelus bactrianus) mediante la realización de métodos de microscopía electrónica de barrido y escaneo pulmonar. Los informes mostraron que los recursos del alvéolo-capilar se originaban en los capilares del espacio subpleural o del tabique interlobulillar y a veces se originaban en las arteriolas precapilares o directamente en las arteriolas terminales. Los capilares alveolares se anastomosaban y formaban una densa red de capa única en forma de cesta que rodeaba el alvéolo. El diámetro del macerado de la red alveolar-capilar era mayor que el del capilar y el aspecto del macerado era ovalado y elíptico. Muchas de las redes alvéolo-capilares colapsadas se encontraron en la arquitectura microvascular alveolar en el pulmón del camello bactriano. El estudio encontró que, muchos alvéolos colapsados en el pulmón del camello bactriano, la presión desproporcionada entre los alvéolos pulmonares inducía un menor desequilibrio del flujo sanguíneo en el capilar alveolar, lo que afectaba la eficiencia del intercambio de gases. Por lo tanto, la función de la rama capilar anastomosante probablemente regularía el flujo sanguíneo entre la red alveolar-capilar.

El biomodelo porcino en la investigación médica traslacional: del biomodelo al humano en trasplante pulmonar / The porcine biomodel in translational medical research: From biomodel to human lung transplantation

Resumen Introducción. La anatomía humana y porcina son comparables. En consecuencia, el biomodelo porcino tiene el potencial de ser implementado para entrenar al profesional quirúrgico en áreas como el trasplante de órganos sólidos. Objetivo. Describir los procedimientos y hallazgos obtenidos mediante experimentos de medicina respiratoria traslacional con biomodelos porcinos realizados en un laboratorio de experimentación animal, y hacer una revisión comparativa entre el pulmón humano y el porcino. Materiales y métodos. El experimento se llevó a cabo en nueve cerdos de raza híbrida en un laboratorio de cirugía experimental. Se estudiaron la anatomía y la histología de las vías respiratorias mediante fibrobroncoscopia, biopsia bronquial y lavado broncoalveolar. El lavado broncoalveolar se estudió con citología en base líquida y se evaluó con las coloraciones de Papanicolau y hematoxilina y eosina. Se utilizaron técnicas de patología molecular, como inmunohistoquímica, citometría de flujo y microscopía electrónica. Los cerdos se sometieron a neumonectomía izquierda con posterior implante del injerto en otro cerdo experimental. Resultados. Los estudios histopatológicos y moleculares evidenciaron un predominio de macrófagos alveolares (98 %) y linfocitos T (2 %) en el lavado broncoalveolar porcino. En los estudios del parénquima pulmonar porcino se encontró tejido linfoide hiperplásico asociado a las paredes bronquiales. La microscopía electrónica evidenció linfocitos T dentro del epitelio y el diámetro de las cilias porcinas fue similar al de las humanas. Conclusiones. El biomodelo porcino es viable en la investigación traslacional para el entendimiento de la anatomía del sistema respiratorio y el entrenamiento en trasplante pulmonar. La implementación de este modelo experimental podría fortalecer los grupos que planean implementar un programa institucional de trasplante pulmonar en humanos.

Abstract Introduction: Human and porcine anatomy are comparable. In consequence, the porcine biomodel has the potential to be implemented in the training of surgical professionals in areas such as solid organ transplantation. Objectives: We described the procedures and findings obtained in the experiments of translational respiratory medicine with the porcine biomodel, within an experimentation animal laboratory, and we present a comparative review between human and porcine lung. Materials and methods: The experiment was done in nine pigs of hybrid race within a laboratory of experimental surgery. The anatomy and histology of the respiratory tract were studied with fibrobronchoscopy, bronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage. The bronchoalveolar lavage was studied with liquid-based cytology and assessed with Papanicolau and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Molecular pathology techniques such as immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and electronic microscopy were implemented. The pigs were subjected to left pneumonectomy with posterior implantation of the graft into another experimental pig. Results: Histopathologic and molecular studies evidenced predominance of alveolar macrophages (98%) and T-lymphocytes (2%) in the porcine bronchoalveolar lavage. Studies on the porcine lung parenchyma revealed hyperplasic lymphoid tissue associated with the bronchial walls. Electronic microscopy evidenced the presence of T-lymphocytes within the epithelium and the cilia diameter was similar to the human. Conclusions: The porcine biomodel is a viable tool in translational research applied to the understanding of the respiratory system anatomy and the training in lung transplantation. The implementation of this experimental model has the potential to strength the groups who plan to implement an institutional program of lung transplantation in humans.

Effects of propofol pretreatment on lung morphology and heme oxygenase-1 expression in oleic acid-induced acute lung injury in rats

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the effects of propofol pretreatment on lung morphology and heme oxygenase-1 expression in oleic acid -induced acute lung injury in rats. Methods: A total of 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats (250-300g) were randomly divided into the following four groups (n=8/group): group C, group OA, group OA+PR, and group OA+IX to compare related parameter changes. Results: PaO2, PCO2, and PaO2/FiO2 were significantly different among the four treatment groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Lung wet/dry weight ratio and HO-1 protein expression also significantly differed among the groups (P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of HO-1 in group OA+PR was stronger than those in groups OA, OA+IX, and C. Light microscopy revealed that pathological changes in lung tissues in group OA+PR were milder than those in group OA and group OA+IX. Electron microscopy showed that alveolar type II epithelial cell ultrastructure in group OA was relatively irregular with cell degeneration and disintegration and cytoplasmic lamellar bodies were vacuolized. Changes in group OA+PR were milder than those in group OA; however, they were more severe in group OA+IX than in group OA. Conclusion: Propofol significantly increases the expression of HO-1 in the lung tissueand prevents changes in lung morphology due to ALI in rats.

prophylactic role of ginger on the pulmonary injury induced by azathioprine on adult male rats [light and scanning electron microscopic study]

Azathioprine is one of the most commonly prescribed immunosuppressive drugs. It is commonly used in the treatment of the immune-mediated diseases. Pulmonary toxicity has been reported as one of its side effects. Ginger [Zingiber officinal roscoe], is a well-known spice plant that has been used traditionally in a wide variety of diseases as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal health. A study of the possible protective role of ginger on the azathioprine induced pulmonary injury in the adult male albino rats using light and scanning electron microscopy. Thirty male adult albino rats were used in the study. They were subdivided into three groups. Each group includes 10 rats. First group was considered as a control, Second group was given azathioprine in a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight twice daily for two days. The third group was given ginger 250 mg orally per kg body weight daily for 5 consecutive days then given azathioprine drug orally for another two days in the same dose as the second group. At the end of the experiment the animals were anaethetized, sacrified and specimens of the lung tissues were extracted and processed to he examined with light and scanning electron microscopy. In group 11, there were thickness of interalveolar septa, lymphocytic cellular infiltration and narrowing of alveolar sacs by light microscopy while in scanning electron microscopy there was thickening of interalveolar septa with narrowing of alveolar sacs, loss of microvilli and laceration of type 11 pneumocytes, disorganized cilia of terminal bronchioles. In group 111 the effect of azathioprine was less than that of group 11 there was less narrowing of the alveolar spaces, less cellular infiltration both type 1 and type 11 pneumocytes and Clara cells were nearly similar to those of control. Administration of ginger prior to azathioprine therapy had a protective effect against the pulmonary injury induced by azathioprine on adult male rats

Histological study on the possible protective role of parsley oil on prednisolone-induced liver and lung injury in adult male albino rats

Corticosteroids have been used extensively since cortisone was first synthesized in the 1950s, but it leads to the development of numerous side effects. Parsley is one of the most effective medicinal herbs. It has antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the toxic effect of the chronic use of prednisolone on the histological structure of the liver and lung and the protective effect of parsley oil against the changes induced by prednisolone. Twenty-five adult male albino rats were used. They were divided into three groups: group I was the control group; group II received 2 mg/kg/day prednisolone once daily for 1 month; and group III received parsley oil 0.6 ml/kg/day once daily followed by prednisolone after 2 h for 1 month. The liver and the lung were dissected out and processed for light and electron microscopic examination. In addition, a statistical study was carried out for determining the thickness of the interalveolar septum. In group II, some hepatocytes showed vacuolations and fatty changes and other hepatocytes revealed apoptotic changes. Lung tissue revealed sloughing of the bronchiolar epithelium. Hemorrhage and cellular infiltration were seen in airway spaces. Moreover, there was highly significant thickening of the interalveolar septa. Apparent increase in atypical type II pneumocytes with hyperchromatic nuclei was seen. Electron microscopy revealed vacuolated hyperchromatic type II pneumocytes. In group III, liver cells were normal except for some vacuolations in the cytoplasm. The lung continued to reveal significant increase in thickness of the interalveolar septa. Some type II pneumocytes showed hyperchromatic features. Electron microscopy revealed type II pneumocytes with a few lamellar bodies. Compared with the liver, the dose of parsley and its duration of treatment with respect to the lung should be markedly higher to have a significant effect, as the destructive effect of prednisolone on the lung is greater than that on the liver

Role of fish oil in gasoline vapor-induced lung damage in adult male albino rats

Background: Exposure to gasoline vapor is known to produce oxidative stress and induce pulmonary diseases. Fish oil was found to play a role in the prevention of chronic lung diseases through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Aim of the study: To study the role of fish oil in lung changes induced by gasoline vapor inhalation in male adult albino rats

Materials and methods: Eighty adult male albino rats were divided randomly into four groups of 20 rats each: control, gasoline-exposed, gasoline+fish oil-concomitant, and fish oil-treated groups. The rats of the control group were subjected to fresh air, whereas rats of the gasoline-exposed group were exposed to gasoline vapor for 10 weeks. Rats of the concomitant group received 0.5 ml/kg fish oil orally daily while being exposed to gasoline vapor. Rats of the fish oil-treated group only received fish oil. Right and left lungs were processed for light and electron microscopic examination, respectively

Results: Lung tissues of gasoline vapor-exposed rats showed collapsed alveoli, thick interalveolar septa, inflammatory cell infiltration, intra-alveolar exudates, hemorrhage, fibrosis, and hypocellularity. Rats of the concomitant group showed a marked reduction in these pathological features

Conclusion: There is evidence that fish oil can ameliorate lung changes induced by gasoline vapor inhalation

effect of maternal exposure to di-[2-ethylhexyl]-phthalate on the lung of albino rat offspring: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Introduction: Di-[2-ethylhexyl]-phthalate [DEHP] is present in a wide variety of medical devices. Infants are more susceptible than the general population

Aim of work: To investigate histological and immnohistochemical changes in the lung of newborn rats in response to mothers' exposure

Materials and methods: Twenty nonpregnant adult female albino rats were used. After pregnancy, on the 15[th] day of pregnancy, dams were divided into two equal groups: the control group received corn oil and the treated group received DEHP [500 mg/kg/day] from the 15[th] day of pregnancy and during the 1[st] three weeks of lactation. Fifteen offspring from each group were subdivided into three subgroups, 1, 2, and 3, which were sacrificed at the 2[nd], 7[th], and 21[st] postnatal day, respectively. Lung specimens were processed for light microscope [H and E and immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen] and electron microscope examination

Results: H and E-stained sections of treated lung on the 2[nd] day showed variable-sized saccules. Primary septa were significantly thicker than those of the control group. However, on the 7[th] day, focally dilated saccules with thin primary septa were observed. Saccules and secondary septa were fewer than those in the control group. On the 21[st] day, variable-sized alveoli and a significant increase in septal thickness were observed. Immunohistochemically, there was a significant increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells on both the 2[nd] day and the 21[st] day, whereas they decreased on the 7[th] day in comparison with the control group. Ultrastructurally, treated lung on the 2[nd] day showed a saccular wall with many layers of interstitial cells, some with shrunken nuclei, whereas on the 7[th] day, thin septa were observed. Type II pneumocytes and interstitial cells had heterochromatic shrunken nuclei, whereas on the 21[st] day, the presence of macrophages was observed in the lumen. Interstitials cells and type II pneumocytes showed heterochromatic nuclei and marked distortion of organelles

Conclusion: DEHP induced marked histological and immunohistochemical changes in the lung. Alternative plasticizers with less adverse impact could be used. Further studies on the possible protective effect of antioxidants are recommended

possible protective role of curcumin on the toxic effect of nicotine in the lung of adult male mice: histological study

Nicotine is an alkaloid that is responsible for most of the dangerous effects of cigarette smoking on the human body. Curcumin is a component of turmeric that is a yellow spice derived from the plant Curcuma longa and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimalignant properties. The aim of this work is to study the protective role of curcumin against the cytotoxic effect of nicotine on the lungs of adult male mice using light and electron microscopes. Thirty adult male mice were used in this study. They were divided into three groups. The first group was considered as the control, the second group received a subcutaneous injection of nicotine at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day for 1 month, and the third group received a subcutaneous nicotine injection at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day and oral curcumin at a dose of 80 mg/kg/day for 1 month. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and specimens of the lungs were extracted and processed for examination by light and electron microscopy. In the nicotine-treated group, thickening of the interalveolar septa with narrowing of air spaces was observed, thick abnormal elastic fibers and many collagenous fibers were deposited in lung interstitium, and an apparent increase in the number of pneumocytes type 11 cells with exhausted lamellar bodies was observed. Concomitant administration of nicotine and curcumin resulted in partial recovery from these toxic effects. Curcumin can be used to decrease the harmful effects of nicotine on the lungs in both active and passive smokers

Ultra-structural pathological study of pulmonary fat embolism in rabbits / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore ultra-structural changes of fat embolism syndrome (FES) in the lung.@*METHODS@#Fat embolism animal model was developed by fat intravascular injection to the experimental rabbits. The rabbits were sacrificed after thrombosis immediately (0 h), 3 h, 8 h and 1 d, 2 d, 7 d, 14 d after thrombosis, respectively. Rabbits were injected with the same dose of saline in the control group. All experimental procedures were same in experimental and control groups. The animal model of fat embolism was validated using HE and Sudan III staining. Ultra-structural changes of lung were observed by using transmission electron microscopy.@*RESULTS@#Ultra-structural changes in capillaries and small blood vessels were found in experimental group. Type II alveolar cells, related cells and organelles showed time-dependent changes. Lipid drops and inflammatory cells were not found in control group. Lamellar body did not show emptying phenomenon and the amount of lamellar body was normal.@*CONCLUSION@#The study could provide the theoretical principle for fat embolism casesin forensic pathology.

Ultrastructral study of rat lung alveoli after silica inhalation

Silicosis is a fibronodular lung disease caused by inhalation of dust containing crystalline silica [silicon dioxide]. To investigate the changes in the lung alveoli after silica dust inhalation on the ultrastructural level in rats. Thirty adult male albino rats were used and divided into 2 groups [15 animals each]; the l[st] group [Group I] served as a control group, silica dust [SiO[2]] was administrated by inhalation to the 2[nd] group [Group II] [10 times daily for 6 weeks]. Lung specimens were processed for study by electron microscope. After silica treatment, features of thickening of the interalveolar septum by cellular and connective tissue infiltration were manifested. Ultrastructural changes were observed in the form of cellular abnormalities represented by degeneration, vacuolation, dilatation of the rER and clarification of the cytoplasm of type II pneumocytes. Cellular infiltration by neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, mast cells and macrophages was also observed. Furthermore fibrosis manifested by collagen deposition has been found. Silica is directly cytotoxic to pulmonary target cells. We should always remember that if it is silica, it is not just dust and avoid exposure

Hallazgos morfológicos en casos fatales de síndrome cardiopulmonar por hantavirus: Estudio de 7 autopsias / Morphological findings in fatal cases of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome: Report of 7 autopsies

Introducción: El síndrome cardiopulmonar por hantavirus (SCPH) es una enfermedad infecciosa aguda, caracterizada por insuficiencia cardio-respiratoria súbita y alta mortalidad, causada por un virus ARN del género Hantavirus, familia Bunyaviridae. Un 15 por ciento de los casos chilenos ha sido pesquisado en la Araucanía. Objetivo: Conocer en casos fatales de SCPH, sus características clínicas y morfológicas. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo-retrospectivo de siete casos fatales con examen postmortem, de SCPH, atendidos entre 1997 y 2009 en el Hospital Regional de Temuco. Resultados: Los casos fueron principalmente pacientes jóvenes, rurales, con un cuadro de compromiso respiratorio progresivo, con leucocitosis, trombopenia e infiltrado pulmonar intersticial bilateral. Los principales hallazgos histopatológicos fueron un acentuado edema pulmonar intra-alveolar e intersticial, con escaso daño epitelial e infiltrado mono-nuclear y leve edema miocárdico con infiltrado mononu-clear. Conclusiones: Los antecedentes epidemiológicos, clínicos y laboratorio permiten sospechar SCPH. En los casos fatales la autopsia permite diferenciar el SCPH de otras patologías similares y aporta tejidos para confirmar el diagnóstico.

Introduction: Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) is an acute infectious disease characterized by sudden cardiorespiratory failure and high mortality, caused by a RNA virus of the genus Hantavirus, family Bunyaviridae, 15 percent of Chilean cases have been detected in the Araucania Region. Objective: To determine in fatal cases of HCPS, clinical and morphological characteristics. Materials and Methods: Descriptive-retrospective analysis of seven fatal cases with postmortem study of HCPS, attended between 1997 and 2009 at the Hospital of Temuco, Chile. Results: Cases were young patients from rural areas, and presented as an illness of progressive respiratory failure, with leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia and bilateral interstitial pulmonary infiltrates. Main morphological findings were marked intersticial and intraalveolar pulmonary edema, with minimal epithelial injury and mononuclear cell intersticial infiltrate and mild edematous intersticial inflamatory process. Conclusions: Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory background allow to suspect HCPS. In fatal cases, the autopsy makes possible to discard other similar pathologies and provide tissue for confirmation of the disease.

Pathological and ultrastructural analysis of surgical lung biopsies in patients with swine-origin influenza type A/H1N1 and acute respiratory failure

BACKGROUND: Cases of H1N1 and other pulmonary infections evolve to acute respiratory failure and death when co-infections or lung injury predominate over the immune response, thus requiring early diagnosis to improve treatment. OBJECTIVE: To perform a detailed histopathological analysis of the open lung biopsy specimens from five patients with ARDS with confirmed H1N1. METHODS: Lung specimens underwent microbiologic analysis, and examination by optical and electron microscopy. Immunophenotyping was used to characterize macrophages, natural killer, T and B cells, and expression of cytokines and iNOS. RESULTS: The pathological features observed were necrotizing bronchiolitis, diffuse alveolar damage, alveolar hemorrhage and abnormal immune response. Ultrastructural analysis showed viral-like particles in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Viral-like particles can be successfully demonstrated in lung tissue by ultrastructural examination, without confirmation of the virus by RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal aspirates. Bronchioles and epithelium, rather than endothelium, are probably the primary target of infection, and diffuse alveolar damage the consequence of the effect of airways obliteration and dysfunction on innate immunity, suggesting that treatment should be focused on epithelial repair.

Ultrastructural study of the effect of inhalation of mosquito-coil smoke on the interalveolar septum of the lung of rat

Smokes of mosquito coils are used daily to control mosquitoes during summer season in subtropical and tropical countries. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect mosquito coils smokes on the fine structures of the interalveolar septum of the lung of rat. A prominent effect has been observed in the interalveolar septum of lungs of 25 male rats that were exposed to mosquito-coil smokes with d-allethrin at airborne particles concentration of 1.27 mg/m3, 7 hrs. /day, 7 days/week for 3 months. In addition to another group of air exposure animals as a control group. Marked hypertrophy and proliferation of disorganized type II alveolar cells with apical microvilli were found to contain numerous vacuolated lamellar bodies. The presence of numerous extravasated red blood cells in the interstitial and alveolar spaces indicates that transient separations of cell junctions of endothelial cells of capillaries to get out blood corpuscles and platelets leading to haemorrage and consequently clotting. Increased frequency of alveolar macrophages, in addition to, the presence of neutrophil and plasma cells are characteristics of these inflammatory processes. The interalveolar septum had been increased in thickness due to proliferation of myofibroblasts and a prominent increase in collagen synthesis

effect of experimentally induced oxidative stress on rat lung and the possible protective role of pentoxifylline: a histological and biochemical study

Acute lung injury and its most severe form, the acute respiratory distress syndrome are frequent complications in critically ill patients and are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Skeletal muscle breakdown [rhabdomyolysis] causes biochemical, functional and histological changes of kidney. The effects of rhabdomyolysis are likely mediated by increased oxidative stress leading to renal tubular cytotoxicity. Oxidative stress has a close relation to acute respiratory distress syndrome. This work was carried out to demonstrate the effect of experimentally induced oxidative stress on the lung histologically and biochemically and to study the role of pentoxii'lline in ameliorating these effects. Seventy adult male albino rats were used and divided into three main groups; the control [Group I] consisted of 20 rats and each experimental group consisted of 25 rats. Group II injected by i.m. glycerol once to induce rhabdomyolysis and consequently oxidative stress and group III received pentoxifylline before i.m glycerol injection. Heparinized blood samples were taken for assessment of total creatine kinase, total glutathione peroxidase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, plasma antioxidants, PaO[2] and PaCO[2]. Bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] was taken for cellular profile and lung specimens for histological study. All samples were taken 6 hours after glycerol injection. Experimental group II showed significant increase in creatine kinase, total glutathione peroxidase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance [TBARS]. Arterial blood gases showed significant decrease in PaO[2] and PaCO[2]. In BAL there was a significant increase in neutrophils and a non significant increase in macrophages. The lung showed increase in the thickness of the interalveolar septa with cellular infiltration associated with alveolar damage and many collapsed alveoli. Ultrastructurally, pneumocytes type II showed degenerative changes in the form of cytoplasmic vacuolation and destruction of lamellar bodies and mitochondria but in group III, all changes showed improvement with presence of minimal affection. Induced oxidative stress could lead to acute lung injury with biochemical alterations of many parameters. Meanwhile, pentoxifylline showed ameliorative effect on all of these parameters

Effect of leflunomide [avara] drug on the lung of adult male albino rats: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Leflunomide is a newly developed disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. Recently, spontaneous reports of interstitial lung disease in patients treated with leflunomide have been reported. It is unclear whether leflunomide is directly related to the occurrence of such lung toxicity or whether other factors might be involved. This study was carried out to demonstrate the effect of leflunomide on the lung structure and the possibility of recovery after its withdrawal. Thirty adult male albino rats were used and were divided into three main groups [10 animals each]; a control group, leflunomide treated group which received 2 mg/kg body weight of leflunomide orally once daily for 8 weeks, and the third group received the same dose of leflunomide as the second group then the drug was stopped for 4 weeks. Lung specimens were processed for histological study by LM and EM and stained immunohistochemically by caspase-3 antibody for detection of apoptotic cells. In leflunomide treated rats the lung showed significant increase in the thickness of the inter-alveolar septa with mononuclear cellular infiltration associated with alveolar damage and many collapsed alveoli. Significant increase in caspase- 3 positive alveolar cells was detected. Type II pneumocytes were significantly increased in number with increase in the collagen content of the inter-ale veolar septa when compared with the control group. Ultrastructurally, degenerative changes were observed in the alveolar cells in the form of cytoplasamic vacuolation, mitochondrial degeneration and destruction of lamellar bodies. After stoppage of leflunomide treatment, these changes in lung structure showed partial recovery with persistence of lung fibrosis suggesting that the lung toxicity of leflunomide was partially reversible. Leflunomide could induce alveolar damage and pulmonary fibrosis and it is recommended that patients under leflunomide treatment should be regularly examined for early detection of interstitial pneumonitis

effect of losartan on the kidney of adult female albino mice and on the renal, hepatic and pulmonary tissues of their fetuses

Angiotensin receptor blockers as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are antihypertensive medications prescribed by a wide variety of physicians. Blocking of angiotensin II [ANG II] mainly through angiotensin II type I receptor [AT[1]] has been implicated in mediating the angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibition. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of an AT[1] antagonist, losartan, on the renal tissues of adult and fetus as well as the hepatic and pulmonary tissues of fetuses histologically and ultrastructurally. Pregnant CD-1 mice were used in this study and they were administered losartan orally through gastric tube. Animals were divided into three groups; the first group served as control, while the second and third groups were administered losartan [10 mg/kg/day] during the second and third weeks of pregnancy respectively. At the end of pregnancy, the pregnant females were sacrificed and the fetuses were removed where the kidney of both adult and fetuses as well as the liver and lung of fetuses were removed. Light and electron microscopic examination of the selected tissues revealed conspicuous pathological lesions especially in the second group. Renal lesions were represented by hypertrophied glomeruli with a marked increase in mesangial cells, interstitial fibroblasts proliferation and haemorrhage. Ultrastructural changes were represented by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, fusion of foot processes and tubular necrosis in both adult and fetuses. Moreover, the fetal liver of the second group showed marked accumulation of glycogen contents, fatty degeneration, necrosis and nuclear pyknosis. The fetal lung revealed remarkable damage of the epithelial cells lining the respiratory bronchioles, focal areas of cellular necrosis, moderate increase in pneumocytes type II and macrophages. A marked increase in number of alveolar fibroblasts was also observed. Consequently, such pathological lesions induced by losartan-treatment might lead to renal dysfunction, hepatic injury and chronic lung inflammation. Thus, extreme caution seems to be necessary in losartan treatment during pregnancy. It is essential to balance the risks of toxicity from drug treatment, the hazards of the fetus against the risks of non treatment during the second trimester of pregnancy

Morphological studies in a model for dengue-2 virus infection in mice

One of the main difficulties in studying dengue virus infection in humans and in developing a vaccine is the absence of a suitable animal model which develops the full spectrum of dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. It is our proposal to present morphological aspects of an animal model which shows many similarities with the dengue infection in humans. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally infected with non-neuroadapted dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV-2). Histopathological and morphometrical analyses of liver tissue revealed focal alterations along the infection, reaching wide-ranging portal and centrolobular veins congestion and sinusoidal cell death. Additional ultrastructural observations demonstrated multifocal endothelial injury, platelet recruitment, and alterated hepatocytes. Dengue virus antigen was detected in hepatocytes and in the capillar endothelium of the central lobular vein area. Liver function tests showed high levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase enzyme activity. Lung tissue showed interstitial pneumonia and mononuclear cells, interseptal oedema, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy of the bronchiolar epithelial cells. DENV-2 led to a transient inflammatory process, but caused focal alterations of the blood-exchange barrier. Viremia was observed from 2nd to 11th day p.i. by isolation of DENV-2 in C6/36 mosquito cell line inoculated with the supernatant of macerated liver, lung, kidney, and cerebellum tissues of the infected mice.

Light and electron microscopic study on the effect of aluminium hydroxide and the possible protective role of calcium carbonate on the lung of albino rat

While aluminium is not a heavy metal, it was found to be toxic. This study was conducted to show the effect of aluminium hydroxide on the lung and the effect of concomitant administration of calcium carbonate. Thirty rats were used and divided into three groups, ten animals each. Group I, [control group], Group II included rats which received intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/ kg body weight aluminium hydroxide, 3 times per week for 2 months, Group III included rats which received aluminium hydroxide in the same dose, in addition the animals received 150 mg calcium carbonate daily orally for 2 months. At the end of experiment, the lung was excised and processed for both light and electron microscopic study. Light microscopic examination of [Group II] revealed focal exfoliation of the lining epithelium of the airway passages with cellular infiltration around the bronchi and in interstitium of the lung. Intraalveolar hemorrhage was observed as well as thickening of interalveolar septa. Excessive deposition of collagen fibers in the lung interstistium was noticed. Fragmentation and decrease of elastic fibers were seen. Apparent increase in the number of goblet cells in the wall of bronchi was detected. Electron microscopic examination of [group II] animals revealed the presence of numerous pneumocytes type II. Some of them had degenerated cytoplasm. The interalveolar septum showed great number of eosinophils and neutrophils together with collagen fibers deposition. Whereas, concomitant administration of calcium carbonate caused partial amelioration of aluminium induced lung toxicity

Ultrastructural changes of pneumocytes of rat exposed to arabian incense [Bakhour]

Impacts of air pollution on the human health have been recognized over the last decades. Smokes, in particular, have deleterious effects on the respiratory system. According to a local tradition, incense "Bakhour" is burnt and the resultant heavy smokes are inhaled. The objective of the present study is to investigate the ultrastructural pulmonary changes which can be induced by Arabian incense, Bakhour, exposure. The study was conducted from September through to December 2003, at the Animal House, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Two groups of Wister albino rats, Rattus norvegicus, were used. One group [n=16] was exposed to 420 grams of Bakhour for 14-weeks at the rate of 4 grams/day in the exposure chamber. Additional group of rats, of equal number, was used as non-exposed control. At the end of the exposure period, lung tissues were removed from all experimental animals and processed for electron microscopy. Alveolar pneumocytes of exposed animals revealed significant ultrastructural changes which involved the cell organelles and surfactant material of type II cells. Hyperplasia of alveolar cells was a feature in the affected lung tissue. Neutrophils were recognized infiltrating pulmonary alveoli and accompanied with degenerative and necrotic changes of the alveolar cells. Deposition of collagen fibrils in the alveolar walls was also observed. Basing upon the results of electron microscopy, it was concluded that exposure to Bakhour can induce ultrastructural pulmonary changes which may imply compromised respiratory efficiency