ELECTRON MICROSCOPY IN PULMONARY EMPHYSEMA OF RABBITS

Abstract

[Spanish and French summ. ][long dash]Naturally occurring pulmonary emphysema in rabbits has been studied by means of electron microscopy. Three important findings have been noted: loss of capillary endothelium; partial or complete filling of capillary lumina with collagen; frequent recanalization of the damaged capillaries. These findings suggest that the initial lesion in rabbit pulmonary emphysema is blockage of the capillaries, subsequent ischemia causing the breakdown of alveolar walls.