Experimental High-altitude pulmonary Edema of Rats / 第三军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Adult albino rats were exposed to simulated high altitude of 5000 m for 72 hours. Mild degree of interstitial pulmonary edema was observed under light microscope. Rats with the left lung excised were subjected to hypoxice of the same degree for 48 hours. On histologic examinations interstitial edema of the right lung was more obvious than that of the previous group. In isolated alveolus or in small groups of alveoli, edematous fluid could he seen.There were perivascular and peribronchial "Cuffs". The former were supposedto be accumulation of edema fluid leaking from the capillaries at the level of alveoli. The latter might be the result of extension of perivascular fluid to the peribrochial space.Excision of the left lung may result in a rise in pulmonary arterial pressure and over perfusion in certain areas remaining lung. Hypoxia may intensify the above changes. Pulmonary hypertension and overperfusion may in force promote the genesis of pulmonary edema.