Effects of rapid decompression on ultrastructure of lung in rabbits / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the effect of rapid decompression on ultrastructure of the lung in rabbits. Methods Thirty healthy New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into low decompression group and rapid decompression group. The pulmonary ultrastructure of rabbits was observed with transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results In rabbits of the rapid decompression group, a number of pathological changes were found, such as disruption of cell membrane structure of types Ⅰ and Ⅱ alveolar cells, loosening of intercellular linkage, edematous mitochondria, expanded rough endoplasmic reticulum, engorged capillary of alveolar wall, edematous capillary endothelium cells, and increased capillary permeability. These changes became especially obvious when the decompression peak value was above 9.8 kPa. Conclusion Rapid decompression could inflict injury to the lung, which was aggravated with the increase of the decompression peak value.